As David Lloyd discovers in Ethos 24, libraries aren’t just limited to books anymore. Across the world, a new kind of library is emerging; communities are redefining the idea of borrowing, creating spaces where people have access to everything from clothes and art to nappies and bicycles. As we embrace the concept that not everything needs to be owned, Eva Tinsley explores eight libraries that share something different…
Published:
15.04.2026
Writer:
Eva Tinsley
Shropshire Shared Wardrobe – UK
Based in Oswestry, this community collaboration between With Love From and Shropshire Libraries is aiming to make fashion more ethical by creating a shared clothing library.
Those with a library card can visit the wardrobe and borrow outfits or donate their own clothes to give them a new life.
Tools Library – Malaysia
Founded in 2020, this library is home to a range of woodworking, gardening, and
car repair equipment.
With sites in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, and a tool truck in Balakong, the library provides access to tools as well as a community of skilled
associates to support people’s home projects.
toolslibrary.co/pages/location
Seed Library – New Zealand
At libraries across the Waikato District, it isn’t just books you’ll find. The libraries host free seed libraries where people can pick up packets of garden seeds to grow at home.
From vegetable and herb seeds to fruit and flower seeds, the initiative is
encouraging people to give gardening a go.
waikatodistrict.govt.nz/services-facilities/libraries/collections/seed-library
Liverpool Cloth Nappy Library – UK
This Liverpool-based nonprofit organisation is aiming to tackle nappy waste by making reusable nappies more accessible.
The cloth nappy library is helping to support up to 30 families by offering starter kits containing a variety of reusable nappy brands and reusable wipes.
Shropshire Shared Wardrobe – UK
Based in Oswestry, this community collaboration between With Love From and Shropshire Libraries is aiming to make fashion more ethical by creating a shared clothing library.
Those with a library card can visit the wardrobe and borrow outfits or donate their own clothes to give them a new life.
Tools Library – Malaysia
Founded in 2020, this library is home to a range of woodworking, gardening, and
car repair equipment.
With sites in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur, and a tool truck in Balakong, the library provides access to tools as well as a community of skilled
associates to support people’s home projects.
toolslibrary.co/pages/location
Seed Library – New Zealand
At libraries across the Waikato District, it isn’t just books you’ll find. The libraries host free seed libraries where people can pick up packets of garden seeds to grow at home.
From vegetable and herb seeds to fruit and flower seeds, the initiative is
encouraging people to give gardening a go.
waikatodistrict.govt.nz/services-facilities/libraries/collections/seed-library
Liverpool Cloth Nappy Library – UK
This Liverpool-based nonprofit organisation is aiming to tackle nappy waste by making reusable nappies more accessible.
The cloth nappy library is helping to support up to 30 families by offering starter kits containing a variety of reusable nappy brands and reusable wipes.
Image credits: Lead image, by Anthony DeLorenzo from Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada – Rory on Goat Trail, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39960552
Nashville Public Library, by Mx. Granger – Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57044355
