New library declares ‘It’s Better To Borrow Than Buy!’

An innovative local service with a difference is moving into larger premises this month in the East Devon town of Topsham - after a marathon 260 hours of unpaid work by supporters.

The Topsham Library of Things (TLoT) opens on Saturday June 28 at the town’s Matthews Hall garden.

“There’s never been anything like a Library of Things in Topsham before” explains Charles Martin, a retired company chief executive. He’s one of the four-member committee who have been piloting the library before the recent move to larger premises.

“It works like a lot like a traditional library but instead of books, it offers a wide variety of things to borrow. Members sign up for a small fee, order what they want online, and then collect and return them at our sessions every Saturday morning” he explains.

TLoT boasts an impressive collection of ‘things’ like party items including catering equipment and lights; family must-haves such as a travel cot and high chairs; gardening equipment such as a hedge trimmer; and a range of top quality DIY tools.

So far the most popular items to borrow have been a carpet cleaner and a jet washer.

“There’s a lot of stock, specially selected as items which borrowers may want only occasionally, and probably wouldn’t buy for themselves. Our motto is that in this day and age it’s better to borrow than buy” explains Aylwyn Bowen, a designer and illustrator who is also on the organising committee.

The team have spent 260 hours running explanatory sessions to tell the community how a Library of Things works, publicising their sessions, and building, decorating and equipping the new premises where TLoT is based.

Now they are preparing for its grand opening by Exeter’s Deputy Lord Mayor and local Topsham representative, Councillor Gemma Rolstone, at 11am on Saturday June 28 on Topsham’s Matthews Hall lawn.

“TLoT is entirely not-for-profit and works closely with the local Topsham Community Association charity. The small fees to join and borrow go straight back into buying more things” explains Helen Crossfield, a human resources consultant and another team member.

“The opening ceremony will be an opportunity for the community to see first hand what we do, and for us to extend a massive thanks to all those who have helped.”

This includes volunteers behind the project and those who have given financial and practical support including the Topsham Community Association (TCA), the Norman Family Trust, Co-Op, National Lottery and Recycle Devon.

If you want to join TLoT and see what’s available to borrow, please check out https://topshamlot.co.uk

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Pictures: Topsham Library of Things committee - left-to-right, Aylwyn Bowen, Charles Martin, John Troy, Helen Crossfield.