Ep.59 Borrow More, Buy Less | Inside the Reading Library of Things
With Tony Cowling & Stuart Ward
Episode Description:
In this episode, Tony Cowling and Stuart Ward shine a light on the Reading Library of Things. The two founders discuss how the Library of Things adds value to the local area by providing an alternative to buying specialised tools, or other items you only use occasionally, like pressure washers, gazebos, or projectors.
The discussion covers the library’s role in promoting resource-sharing and sustainability, highlighting how people can borrow professional-grade tools to do jobs themselves. Tony and Stuart explain that the library has 829 items and has accumulated tools worth at least £50,000. They also share the challenges faced when setting up the organisation. Finally, we discuss the ongoing need for more members and volunteers, as well as their future goals, including the long-term goal of having four locations across Reading.
Reading Library of Things Website: rlot.org.uk/
Directory of Libraries: ethicalconsumer.org/home-garden/library-things-directory
Reading Bike Hub Website: readingbikehub.org.uk/
Reading Library of Things Socials:
Store Details:
(Ensure you sign up via the website and reserve items before visiting the library.)
Reading Library of Things
13a Southview Park,
Caversham
Reading, RG4 5AF
Listen to the episode
Episode Time Codes
00:00 Intro
00:22 What is Reading Library of Things?
01:36 How did Reading Library of Things start?
02:45 Who is Tony Cowling?
03:24 Who is Stuart Ward?
04:07 What research they did to set up Reading Library of things
05:51 The importance of governance for a group
07:12 Challenges with setting up Reading Library of things
08:40 Successes at Reading Library of Things
09:18 Membership of Reading Library of Things
11:10 Number of tools and the most popular items
12:01 What has surprised Tony about Reading Library of Things?
14:30 The importance of having the right tool to do a job
15:16 Not competitors to traditional tool hire shops and tradespeople
16:27 How you can help Reading Library of Things
17:49 Bases for other Reading of Library Things in Town Centre
19:29 Future goals for Reading Library of Things
20:14 Final thoughts
Videos
What is Reading Library of Things?
Why is governance important for a group?
Library Membership & its Most Popular Items
Challenges Faced by Reading Library of Things
Key takeaways
Offer tiered or value-based membership options: The Reading Library of Things offers a standard annual membership fee but also provides a free membership to those who donate a “significant tool”. This model creates an incentive for people to contribute to the organisation’s inventory while also attracting new members. It’s a great example of a mutually beneficial business model.
The Importance of Established Governance: When starting a new venture, partnering with an existing, well-governed organisation can provide a significant advantage. The Reading Library of Things gained credibility by operating under Transition Town Reading, a UK-wide charitable network. This partnership provided them with an established governance structure. This organisational foundation proved crucial when the library applied for lottery funding, as they could demonstrate they were part of a reputable network.
Strategic Collaboration for Growth: The founders understand that working with other local groups is key to increasing their reach and sharing the workload. Tapping into other networks is also a great way to increase awareness and attract both new members and volunteers.
Episode references
Reading Repair Cafe
Get help to repair a wide range of items covering areas such as:
Electronics
Mechanical items
Computers (hardware / software)
Toys / Furniture Clothing / textiles
Tool sharpening
In fact, if it’s broken, bring it along and we are sure to have a go or at least provide some advice about what your best course of action might be.
You’re also welcome to come along with repairs you want to do yourself
Tony’s Volunteer Projects
Reading Hydro | Generating renewable electricity from the power of the Thames
Reading Community Energy| A society whose mission is to accelerate the uptake of community-owned renewable energy in Reading and surrounds.
Reading Draught Busters| A voluntary organisation based in Reading, helping and empowering people to draughtproof their homes, saving energy and reducing bills and carbon impact.
Green Ways | Reading
A Reading-based project to receive and recycle unwanted items. We want to reduce expenditure for all, reduce emissions on the production of goods and unnecessary travel to shops, and support the community.