Dear Sam,
We’re new parents who just bought our first home. Having just helped my parents empty their basement to sell their home and downsize, we are trying to avoid creating our own overflowing basement of barely used items. We want to learn more about lending libraries and give them a try. Are you familiar with any locally?
Sincerely,
– R & J
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Dear R & J,
Instead of buying that toy that little Johnny plays with for a couple of weeks or heading to Home Depot to pick up a circular saw that Dad’s going to use for one project, why not head over to one of the many lending libraries that are in the Twin Cities area? Lending libraries are community resources where people can borrow items instead of buying them, promoting shared use and reducing waste. Not only are there lending libraries for books, but you can also find libraries focused on crafts & tools, toys & games, as well as more specialty locations like assistive technology (AT) for people with disabilities.
Not only do lending libraries help save you money, but they also reduce the need for individuals to buy and own rarely used items. They also help reduce a your impact on the planet. Some of these benefits include:
- Decreasing Production Demand: By borrowing instead of buying, fewer items need to be manufactured, which reduces the energy, raw materials, and water used in production processes. This also reduces manufacturing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Minimizing Waste: Lending libraries extend the lifespan of items by allowing multiple people to use them. This reduces the number of items that end up in landfills and curbs pollution from waste disposal systems.
- Reducing Transportation Emissions: Sharing items locally often results in fewer emissions than purchasing new items that may require shipping from far away.
- Encouraging Sustainable Habits: They promote a culture of sharing, reuse, and mindful consumption, reducing the overproduction and overconsumption cycles that harm the planet.
Below are a few different lending libraries close to or in Tangletown. Stop by and check them out.
Minnesota Tool Library
MN Tool Library has a large inventory of tools that members can use for home improvement, DIY, lawn & garden, and craft projects. Members can borrow tools and access workshop space at the Northeast Minneapolis location. See inventory.
Location: 1610 Central Ave (Thorpe Building), Minneapolis, MN (map)
Hours: Tuesdays (10 am – 1 pm), Wednesdays (4 – 7 pm), Thursdays (10 am –1 pm) and Saturdays (10 am –2 pm).
Minnesota Toy Library
Hours: Mondays (9 am – 12pm), Wednesdays (6 – 9 pm), Saturdays (9 am – 12 pm)
Location: 8 West 60th St (Richfield Lutheran Church)., Minneapolis, MN
Email: mplstoylibrary@gmail.com
Minnesota Toy Library is a toy lending program for families with children aged birth to 5 years. Families can check out up to five toys, take them home for 2-4 weeks, and exchange them for new ones upon return. Check out the Toy Inventory.
Simon Technology Center Lending Library
Hours: Tuesdays & Thursdays (11 am – 4 pm)
Location: 8161 Normandale Blvd, Bloomington, MN
Email: pacer@pacer.org
Ranging from simple tools to highly sophisticated technology, Simon Technology Center’s Assistive Learning Technology helps people communicate, learn, live independently, be included, and succeed at home, community, school, and work. With more than 1,700 items, the Lending Library lets you try out and borrow some of the newest educational and disability-specific products on the market. View catalog.
Little Free Library
Hours: 24 hours
Location: Various locations in Minneapolis, MN
A nonprofit organization with a mission to build community, inspire readers, and expand book access through a global network of small, free-standing book exchanges. Little Free Libraries can be found throughout Tangletown and adjacent neighborhoods. To view a map of Little Free Libraries in the area, click here.
Sustainably,
Sam