Residents in Gloucestershire now have more options for borrowing household equipment after Gloucestershire Libraries expanded its Library of Things service to two new locations on 5 May 2026. The service, now available at Quedgeley Library and Up Hatherley Library, allows library members to hire a range of tools and hobby items for £3 to £5 per week.
The initiative was first piloted at Charlton Kings Library in 2023. The scheme proved popular, with 482 items borrowed during the 2024-25 period. According to records, this usage helped local residents save a combined total of £53,490 compared to the cost of buying new equipment, while also avoiding approximately 16.74 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The Library of Things is supported by the sustainability charity Vision 21 and its volunteers, who provide technical assistance. While the project began as a collaboration between the library service, Vision 21, and the Charlton Kings Parish Council, it is now transitioning into a countywide model. The new Quedgeley location has received additional support from the Quedgeley Town Council.
Councillor Dave Norman, the cabinet member for libraries at Gloucestershire County Council, noted that the service offers a practical way for people to manage DIY projects while supporting a greener lifestyle. Project coordinator Raechel Kelly added that the initiative is intended to be an accessible way for the community to engage in climate action through shared resources.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
