What is a library of things?

A Library of Things is any collection of objects loaned, and any organization that practices such loaning. Objects often include kitchen appliances, tools, gardening equipment and seeds, electronics, toys and games, art, science kits, craft supplies, musical instruments, and recreational equipment. Especially appropriate are objects that are useful occasionally but cumbersome to store. (Wikipedia 2022)

Who are we?

The Twin Cities Library of Things was founded by two local moms who truly just want to do our part to make things a little easier for our community and hopefully leave the world a little better than we found it.

Why a library of things? 

Especially now that we have growing families, the sheer volume of things we have in our homes just continues to increase, and we’ve been looking to alternative solutions to consume in a more communal way without as much waste and clutter. 

We have actively participated in our local buy nothing groups and have always donated through them or to local organizations as we move into different phases in life. But even that is stressful at times when we’re not regularly using items, but we keep holding onto it for the rare occasion when we might need it again. 

As we’ve been researching and discussing what we can do to help build a community that is NOT focused on consumerism (which is SO hard as kids who grew up mall rats and have our sense of community centered around things, places with paid memberships, etc.), we stumbled across the idea of library of things. 

Libraries of things are popular abroad and in other parts of the US. But there is no overall library of things here in the Twin Cities, so we decided we wanted to start it! Our goals with the library are to reduce waste, stress and increase equity of access to items.

Sounds great! How does it literally work?

1. Browse and search through the inventory, which will be reguarly updated with additional things 
2. Become a library member (memberships range from $49-$139 depending on type of membership + we have FREE memberships for regular volunteers)
3. Submit reservation for things in one-week increments
4. Reservation will be confirmed, and your items will be ready for you to check-out during our open hours at our facility in Edina (or we can arrange different pick-up at Edina or either of our homes in Bloomington or Crystal)
5. Use the items (take pictures if you're doing something great with it!)
6. Bring your items back on the designated date where a volunteer will help ensure check-in process and get everything re-stocked for the next person to use
7. Repeat over and over for all of your needs (trying out new gear before you buy; planning fun family activities; hosting events; checking out new hobbies, etc. etc. etc.)

To get more ideas and information about how to use the Twin Cities Library of Things, join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/875392693453889

Membership:

The Library of Things is fully member supported.  We work hard to keep our expenses low, however, there are still costs associated with keeping and maintaining the library such as storage, webhosting, cleaning and maintenance supplies etc. which your membership helps support.  Your membership also supports unpaid / reduced cost memberships for community members who qualify, which helps increase access and equity for ALL. Additional funds are used to expand the library’s selection to provide even greater value and fun for our members.  

Membership Types:

1. Annual (up to 20 things at a time): $139
2. Annual (5 things at a time): $99 (TEACHERS GET A 50% DISCOUNT OFF THIS MEMBERSHIP)
3. Annual (2 things at a time): $79 
4. Bi-Annual/6 Months (2 things at a time): $69
5. Quarterly/3 Months (2 things at a time): $49
6. Volunteer at least five hours a month: FREE
7. Sliding Scale/Reduced or Free: please contact us at twincitieslibraryofthings@gmail.com