A new community-run library where residents can borrow tools, equipment, and household items instead of buying them has opened in Lancaster. BayShare Library of Things launched at Harpers Mill in White Cross Business Park on South Road, operated by Lancaster and Morecambe Makers, the group behind the neighbouring Lancaster Community Makerspace.
Members can sign up online at bayshare.uk or visit during opening hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, and Saturdays from 11am to 1pm. The inventory ranges from DIY tools and gardening equipment to a unicycle, a travel cot, a neon ‘happy birthday’ sign, and a bat detector. Bil Bas, a director of Lancaster and Morecambe Makers and founder of BayShare, said borrowing makes sense for items people use only occasionally. “It saves money, storage space and reduces waste,” he explained.
The project grew from research commissioned by Lancaster City Council and carried out by Ref/use Lab, which uncovered more than 500 items already held by community groups across the district but no central way to find them. Funding came from Closing Loops through the Pots of Possibility Fund, the city council, and Walney Extension Community Fund. Makerspace members receive free BayShare membership and a discount on borrowing.
A monthly repair café runs in partnership with Lancaster and Morecambe Repair Café and Sewing Café Lancaster. Organisers have also said they plan to add more items and explore locker-based sublibraries in other parts of the district.
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