Bath-based charity Share and Repair aims to double the number of borrowers in Bath, as a way to meet the cost of living and environmental crisis.
The Bath-based charity, which is particularly popular with families, has launched a crowdfunding campaign, asking people to back its mission to ‘Get Bath Borrowing’ so it can expand and maintain the Bath Library of Things, and reach new people who might not know the Library is there to help them.
The ‘Get Bath Borrowing’ campaign‘ has a fundraising target of £7,000 and runs until 28 June. Through it, Share and Repair aims to add new items to the Bath Library of Things, keep existing items in good condition so they can be loaned out again and again, and raise awareness of the service to get new borrowers.
Lorna Montgomery, founder of Share and Repair and chair of the board of trustees, said, “We launched the Bath Library of Things in March 2019 to lend items not in constant use – such as power tools, garden equipment and holiday and event equipment – for a low fee. It means people do not have to buy things for one-off jobs or events, saving them money, and avoiding waste, energy and emissions needed to make things.
“We are founded on the belief that the way we live and the amount we buy is causing an environmental crisis. But there is a better way. When communities share, people can access more without it costing the earth.
“Our borrowers tell us they use it to get hold of things they could not otherwise afford and to avoid having to buy things for a trip or event, but which just clutters up the place afterwards. The average power drill is used for just 13 minutes in its entire life. The same drill, in the Library of Things, can help many different households, at a fraction of the cost and environmental impact.”
“We know that people love to borrow items and we know that if we can improve the quality and quantity of our items – plus raise more awareness of the work we do – we can do our bit to ‘Get Bath Borrowing’ while helping people save money and the planet.”
Bath Library of Things currently has more than 400 items and over 500 users. Through the ‘Get Bath Borrowing’ campaign, Share and Repair plans to add more than 30 new items.
Its wishlist includes an air fryer to try before you buy, a thermal imagery camera and cordless tools, as well as items to parties and events including a bubble machine and fairy lights. The aim is to buy preloved where possible but always good quality to last and be handled by many users. Funds raised will also go towards publicity to recruit new users and the maintenance of the items in the Library.
Supporters of the campaign can pledge a donation amount and choose from rewards that include: borrowing items, naming an item after themselves, a loved one or favourite place, or having an afternoon in the Share and Repair Shop.
Get Bath Borrowing campaign link – https://www.avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/getbathborrowing#start