A new library has opened up in a Welsh shopping centre - but with a big difference. Aiming to "revolutionise shopping habits", the Swansea Library of Things is packed with large, high-value household items which shoppers can borrow at a very small cost.
Based within the Quadrant Shopping Centre in Swansea city centre, you can get everything from carpet cleaners, power washers and large gardening power tools to buggies, tents and camping equipment. Among countless options, you could borrow a grass trimmer for three days for just £5, a pressure washer for three days for £9.
A multimedia projector could be borrowed for a week for £8, or a bread maker for seven days for £8. There's also the chance to borrow a folding camping table and seats for a week for just a fiver, or a family tent for £15 over a week. Get Swansea stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter.
The shop is by Urban Foundry, a Swansea-based creative regeneration agency. Its founder, Ben Reynolds, said: “This is a truly different shopping experience. With the cost of living increasing so significantly, we wanted to be able to give something back to the community, in a practical way which will help with key household tasks.
"When there are bills to pay and mouths to feed, maintaining the home or garden is often overlooked, because the upfront cost of purchasing maintenance tools is so high. This shop gives people the chance to borrow those tools and items for as little as £3 a week. It’s important that these high-value items are accessible to all, now more than ever."
The scheme is being run with support from Swansea Council and a range of other organisations, and is receiving funding through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme. It is located at the New Look entrance to The Quadrant and is one of several pop-ups across Swansea that Urban Foundry has established through the Pop-Up Wales initiative.
The head librarian, Nathan Brenton, said: “It’s fantastic seeing how many customers are using the shop. The carpet cleaner has been the most popular item and we even had a family loan a buggy when a day’s shopping was too tiring for their toddler.
"I feel like we’re offering a really important service and we’re making expensive, practical products accessible. Our customers range from students, right through to pensioners. There is a clear market for these items and I’m proud to be playing my part in helping people budget during these challenging times.”
And operations manager at The Quadrant, Lindy Emms added: “The Library of Things has been a truly brilliant addition to the centre and our offer. Shoppers are looking for new experiences and new ways of saving when the cost of living has increased so significantly.
"This shop meets those needs perfectly. The other great thing is that it’s reducing the amount of waste or need for storage in households. It’s really tapping into the need to be greener and to make more sustainable choices. It’s almost like borrowing from your neighbour.” The Swansea Library of Things is open until June 30 and the full list of available products can be viewed by clicking here.
