We champion Libraries of Things (LoTs) around Australia and believe there should be one in every neighbourhood. Since 2022, we've organised around three key areas:
Triangle Tool Library, NSW
The Share Shop, NSW
The Collective Shed, WA
Our Network loves to share more than tools. In the last few years, we've championed the power of deeper connections between LoTs all over Australia through in-person visits, hosting a Facebook group for collaborative Q&A and organising online catchups on hot topics for our sector. Even better, we're seeing libraries in each state starting to develop their own catch ups to keep the sharing of good ideas growing.
See more libraries in action in our photo gallery
The number of Libraries of Things in Australia is growing every year. Find your closest LoT on our handy map.
Inspired to start your own library? We've collected member-contributed guides and resources to help you avoid common issues and get off to a great start.
ALoT Monthly shares the inside stories on Australia's LoT scene, with interviews, tips and reader feedback to enjoy every month. If you're a LoT member, volunteer, supporter or just a lover of great community initiatives, jump in to get our monthly stories!
The ALoT Network is committed to raising the profile of Library of Things as they offer tangible, local, scaleable solutions to the growing crises we face.
Libraries of things save people money, build our communities and benefit our planet.
Environmental benefits
Sharing items reduces both carbon emissions and waste. Members of LoTs have an alternative way of meeting their needs and wants, which leads to a change in mindset around consumption.
Social benefits
The collaborative and inclusive nature of LoTs increases connection between likeminded people, which can provide purpose, meaning and and cut rates of social isolation. Physical gathering places that aren't designed to encourage people to spend money (as opposed to shopping centres and cafes) give people a third space to exist in away from home and work. As third spaces, LoTs foster spaces to exercise creativity and cooperation, vital skills for everyone.
Financial benefits
Sharing items instead of buying them saves LoT members thousands of dollars every year. Plus, the ability to pool money to purchase quality items for the library means better quality tools become available over time, increasing the value of membership without increasing the cost. Win-win!
Seeking seats at the table
Submissions to enquiries, building relationships with governments at all levels, speaking to resource groups and to the media on behalf of the sector. Read our submissions and advice in our resource library.
Speaking up regularly and sharing our wins
In mainstream media, through keynote talks and through interviews and conversations with people who back our vision of a LoT in every Australian neighbourhood.
Providing quality advice
For Councils and other organisation that require feasibility studies before investing, we can provide guidance on how to set up and grow a Library of Things.
Partnerships, collarboration opportunities and invites to speak with new groups about Libraries of Things in Australia are always welcome. Get in touch - we'd love to hear from you.
A big part of our work is collaborating as custodians of knowledge to help each other. In particular, we have organised to measure our collective impact, giving each library stats to help them with grant funding and local advocacy. From our national survey, we identified the biggest hurdle and set out to investigate in order to create a workable solution.
Hey, Australian Repair Network, we think you're great. Many LoTs run a Repair Cafe too, so we collaborate with our repair cousins wherever possible to spread the word about repairing AND sharing!
Party Kits have a natural home in Libraries of Things. In fact, many LoTs have at least one party kit for their members to borrow, plus the tables, chairs, bunting and cake making tools to go with it. Viva la low waste soiree!
Charitable Reuse Australia created a logo to make reuse visible, and Libraries of Things are reuse champions! The vast majority of items in LoTs around Australia have been donated second hand, so we're proud to highlight the importance of reuse.
This website was created and all content written by Nicole Bray of Arby Ark Creative Media without any AI.
Not even a little bit.