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Libraries for Upcycling and Lending Services: Scrap Libraries and the Library of Things

The earliest libraries are almost as old as human civilization, dating back to ancient times and clay tablets. In this steps we’ll look at two library-concepts with the aim of reducing waste and increasing sustainability awareness.

The Scrap Library project, Millennium School

The Scrap Library project at Millennium School in Pune, India, is a collaborative initiative by Alternative Foundation Reuse & Upcycling, a non-profit initiative by studio Alternatives. The project’s core mission is to promote upcycling by taking discarded and unwanted items and giving them a new, meaningful life, thereby extending the lifespan of materials. They have curated a collection of 50 unique materials, including plastics, paper, metal, and various packaging waste. The goal is to encourage students to view this waste not as trash, but as raw material for their daily school projects and activities, fostering a culture of creative reuse.

studio Alternatives’ Scrap Library and ScrapLab

studio Alternatives’ Scrap Library and ScrapLab is an research and development studio dedicated to creative reuse and upcycling, transforming discarded materials into valuable resources for art, design, and projects. As an inspirational concept that has launched initiatives like the Millennium School Scrap Library, ScrapLab connects a wide range of waste materials with creative ideas and people. The lab’s mission is to upcycle waste, foster a mindset of creative reuse, and promote sustainable, circular consumption patterns.

The Library of Things

The Library of Things started over a decade ago when three women in London opened a lending service in a local library annex. The concept evolved into a global movement where communities can borrow useful household items and tools. The mission is to promote sharing and meet needs for things used once in a while, ultimately saving money and cutting down on waste.

Further reading, learning and references

studio Alternatives – Scrap Library https://www.studioalternatives.com/scrap-library

The Library of Things https://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/

© Daniel Mossberg, CEMUS, Uppsala University and Sonali Phadke, studio Alternatives and Stephanie Foote