Library of Things targets students starting university

The library already has 1,400 items to loan out to people

A new Library of Things is to open near a university campus to encourage students to "start their adult lives borrowing instead of buying".

The Library, run by Share Bristol, loans everyday items for a small annual charge, and will have 1,400 items when it opens near the University of the West of England in Frenchay, north Bristol, in November.

Share Bristol Trustee Anna Perry said: "People think it's just DIY tools but it's so much more, we have chocolate fountains and cat boxes and popcorn makers."

About £4,500 has so far been raised via crowdfunding by supporters of the scheme, to help kit out the new shop.

The new shop will be open to anyone, but Ms Perry said she wanted to target the student population.

"We want to encourage students to start their adult lives borrowing instead of buying stuff they may only use a few times," she said.

"We want to inspire a whole new generation."

The Bedminster Library was opened earlier this year

Share Bristol already has two sites in Kingswood and Bedminster, but wanted to expand to the north of the city.

"The only way people borrow instead of buy is if you make borrowing convenient," said Ms Perry.

"We had someone come into our Kingswood branch recently and borrow everything they needed for a whole camping holiday, from tents to stoves to chairs.

"It was hugely empowering to help lower their holiday costs," she added.

The Library of Things has been popular since the first branch opened in 2021.

A total of 422 items were checked out in July, including strimmers, lawn mowers, pressure washers and gazebos.