Richmond Council has joined forces with Library of Things and Twickenham co-working space Patch (42 York Street) to open the borough's first branch of the community-focussed social enterprise, which helps people to save money and reduce waste by sharing common items they may only use every-so-often, rather than buying new.

Library of Things, which has 16 other locations across London, works like a library, but instead of books, residents can rent out over 30 useful household items like drills, carpet cleaners, hedge trimmers, sound systems and sewing machines for as little as a few pounds a day.

It also helps people share practical skills like DIY and repair with others in their neighbourhood.

From 6 February, residents can reserve items online and collect from self-service lockers in Patch's ground floor, which is a short walk from Twickenham Station and beside two bus stops with convenient routes across the borough.

Cllr Julia Neden-Watts, Chair of the Environment, Sustainability, Culture and Sports Committee, said: "We are very pleased to be bringing the Library of Things movement to Richmond upon Thames, giving residents a convenient opportunity to share common items they may only use every once in a while, rather than buying new, to save money and, importantly, reduce waste locally.

She added: "As we continue forward with our ambitious plans to become a Net Zero borough by 2043, we are committed to providing residents with community resources, like Library of Things, that are needed to support sustainable and cost-effective habit changes that can help us reduce our carbon footprint.

"I'm looking forward to borrowing from our new location, and I'd encourage others to do the same.

"Together we can ensure Richmond upon Thames Library of Things gets off to a great start and remains a success."

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Renting items is easy. Search the Twickenham Library of Things website to find the item you're looking for, make your booking and select your collection and return dates.

Collections and returns can be made Monday through Saturday, 8:45am to 5:30pm.

You'll receive an email with all the information you need when you make your booking.

As well as helping Richmond upon Thames residents save money from not buying new things, residents in need of a helping hand will have the option to sign up with the concession membership, which gets them 25% off rentals. 

Save money, reduce clutter and support the planet by getting involved with Library of Things today.

You can also sign up to the Library of Things mailing list to stay up to date on the latest items and local offers available.