5 ways libraries are shifting from just lending books

Libraries got their name from books but today many of them are offering other services. From lending toys to tools, sports equipment, and music, libraries around the world are even more irreplaceable for local communities.

These five stories Shareable published in recent months will bring you to toy libraries in Denver and Croatia, introduce you to food sharing projects in some U.S. libraries, give you tips on how to start a toy library, and offer you a possibility to download our free e-book on libraries of things as a cornerstone of the real sharing economy.

1. Kids in Denver share toys for the last 35 years

In the basement of Denver’s Smiley Library Branch is the Northwest Denver Toy Library, one of 400 US toy libraries. This story will introduce you to its long history of teaching children the value of sharing.

2. Libraries stretch to feeding the hungry

During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, when many children lost their free meals at schools, some libraries in the US were ready to step in.

3. European approach to toy libraries

Toy libraries can be found across the world and in this article, we take a look into the first toy library in Croatia.

4. Download our e-book on libraries of things

Shareable has issued an e-book featuring different aspects of the libraries of things movement and it is free for download.

5. Secrets on starting a toy library revealed

Here we bring you 12 quick tips for starting a toy library from a webinar hosted by The Center for a New American Dream.