Circular Dorking Projects
Dorking Library of Things
Welcome to the Dorking Library of Things
A collaborative community venture, organised and operated by Circular Dorking community group and Dorking Library (part of Surrey Library Service). It’s run by the community for the community.
Click here to visit Dorking’s Library of Things web portal, full information on how it operates and how to join is provided on the home page.
Examples of what you can borrow: carpet cleaner, wallpaper steamer, toolkits, pressure Washer, sack barrow, extendable ladder, games, camping tent, a bucket and much more. Initially over 50 items but growing. Visit Dorking’s Library of Things web portal to see the full inventory (no need to join to see what’s available).
Why a Library of Things?
Ask yourself, do I really need to buy it? There are many estimates for the average amount of time a hand drill is used in its entire lifetime, ranging from 6 minutes to 20 minutes. Regardless of the exact number, the point is made and it applies to many other things as well: carpet cleaners, wall paper strippers, party gazebos – things we use maybe once or twice a year.
Wouldn’t it be great if we could simply borrow these items from a Library of Things just for the time we need them. No storage issues, no unnecessary carbon emissions, less depletion of the Earth’s resources, less financial cost to you, help and advice in using them from the lenders. We now have a Library of Things in Dorking!
We have a variety of tools, appliances, garden equipment, games and other items that can be borrowed from our library FREE OF CHARGE. The majority of our items have been donated by supporters, if you would like to make a donation of a good condition item or financially please get in touch.
The aim is to gradually grow the library of things to 100’s of items, aided by the community, and it to become a key resource for the local community. Dorking Library of Things is primarily funded through donations, grants and supporters like you. Your contributions help us maintain our inventory, cover operating costs, and expand our services to serve the community better. Thank you for your support!
Our Library of Things is operated and administered by Circular Dorking volunteers, who also check and maintain the items in the library. Front of house collection and return is carried out by Dorking Library staff.
Thank you
All is all the Library of Things is fabulous collaborative initiative.
Thank you to Zero Guildford and the other Surrey Library of Things for their help in advising and setting up Dorking, and Rosie Riordon for helping promote.
Library of Things Launch
On Tuesday 8 October as part of Dorking Libraries, Green Libraries Week, both Circular Dorking and Dorking Library launched the Dorking Library of Things. We thank The Chair of Surrey County Council, Raj Hussain for braving some awful weather and attending our joint event. The event was an informal evening with our community, businesses, Circular Dorking volunteers the Dorking Library team and both MVDC and Surrey County Councillors to come and celebrate. During the event we welcomed our new Hello Dorking BID Manager Jo.
There was also a prize giving of a framed artist’s photo from a raffle which to place during The Remarkable World of Trees Event in the Summer.
