"Buy Nothing Day": Library opens "Library of Things"
Created: 11/27/2022, 8:00 p.m
By: Susanne Weiss
Whether it's a fascia roll or something else: the library of things opens this Saturday.
Library manager Hannah Vogel gave an insight in advance.
From beamer to popcorn machine © Sabine Hermsdorf-Hiss
40 objects to try out and experiment with are waiting in the Geretsrieder library.
It has been offering a “library of things” since Saturday.
Geretsried – Hannah Vogel thinks the sewing machine is particularly great.
"I can't sew, but I might try it," says the head of the city library.
The “Library of Things” should offer the opportunity for this – and prevent someone from buying something that ends up just gathering dust in the basement or even ending up in bulky waste.
"Library of Things" in Geretsried: Borrowing instead of buying
Mayor Michael Müller opened the new offer on Adalbert-Stifter-Straße on Saturday.
Appropriate for the consumption-critical "buy nothing day", which is celebrated annually on November 26th.
Libraries stand for sustainability per se, says Vogel.
The "Library of Things" in Geretsried fits in well with this.
"It's not going to change the world.
But it is a sign.”
In the "Library of Things" library members can always borrow items for two weeks.
First, there are 40 things to choose from in the fields of hobbies and leisure, household and technology.
A muffin tin for small Christmas trees is perfect for the Advent season.
You could take the popcorn machine with you for a movie night.
Those who want to be active outside will find, among other things, diabolo, kites and stand-up paddle boards.
Ring light, beamer and camera stabilizer encourage cinematic projects.
And there are also practical things like an electricity meter and a weekend suitcase.
"I'm curious to see how it will be used," says Vogel.
From projectors to popcorn machines
The concept has already established itself in other libraries, for example in Rosenheim.
The people of Geretsried took this as a guide.
There is also a list of recommendations for the items from the State Office for Public Libraries in Bavaria.
She subsidized the project with 5000 euros.
The library put the same amount on top of it from its own funds – for the new shelves in the basement and the objects.
"We are pleased that we had the opportunity to introduce this," emphasizes the library manager.
The whole team worked together to make the project happen.
For example, signs also had to be made because very expensive items or items that present a risk of injury can only be obtained at the counter.
“Library of Things” should grow
The range should by no means remain as it is.
The “library of things” should grow, according to Vogel.
"We appreciate any hints as to which items would be helpful."
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In other libraries, too, things would be returned well cared for.
Nevertheless, the library is aware of the risk that something can break.
Then you have to see whether it was wear and tear or wantonness.
But in principle “we are happy when things are used”.
By the way, there have long been items that you can borrow from the library.
For example, the digital pens for the interactive learning game "Tiptoi" and the audio system for children called "Toniebox".
Both are good and work well.
Despite the new offer: "Books remain our key medium," emphasizes Vogel.
Most of the budget is used for this.
The focus is on promoting reading.
But it is also about lifelong learning.
And carving or crocheting go well with it.
Vogel: "It should be fun trying things out and fun learning."
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By the way: everything from the region is also available in our regular Wolfratshausen-Geretsried newsletter.
