Wales’ library of things – Benthyg – is opening its second branch in Splott Old Library on 26th September.
Benthyg, meaning ‘borrow’ or ‘lend’ in Welsh, has nearly 400 items for its members to borrow at low cost, including a pressure washer, gazebos, camping equipment, DIY and gardening tools.
People can donate items they own but don’t need and borrow items they need but don’t own.
Benthyg benefits the community and the environment; providing affordable access to items when they are needed, removing the need to buy, store and maintain things, and keeping unused items out of landfill.
On Saturday afternoons from 3-5pm, Benthyg will be operating a ‘click and collect’ service from the Old Library on Singleton Road in Splott.
Anyone can sign up to be a member for free at borrow.benthyg.org, where you can also browse, reserve and pay for items you wish to borrow.
Reservations for Splott collections will need to be made by the Friday before as items are not being kept on site.
Libraries of Things have been springing up all over the UK in the last five years. Benthyg is the first and only one in Wales, with ambitions to create a Wales-wide network which will support community resilience and reduce Wales’ carbon footprint.
Benthyg was recently cited as a good example of a community re-use initiative that supports a sustainable lifestyle, in response to the
Welsh Government’s circular economy consultation.
Ella Smillie, co-founder of Benthyg – Borrow Don’t Buy said:
“We’re delighted to be launching Benthyg in Splott and increasing the number of people who can access the incredible array of items we have to lend out. With many of us experiencing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and simultaneously becoming aware of the urgent need to take action on climate change, now more than ever is the time to reduce our consumption and share our resources.”