A library of things, sometimes known as a lending library, is a community resource where people can borrow items they need instead of buying them.
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The Rochester Library of Things (RLOT) is a new project currently in the planning phase. We are looking for individuals who are enthusiastic about the community, sharing and sustainability, to help us set up and run the library.
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Our wishlist
Now is the time for the RLOT committee to begin collecting inventory items for our library. Below are the current items we are looking for. If you are able to donate or sell any of these items to the library, please get in touch. If there are other items you'd love to see in the library, please let us know as well.
Camping and Leisure:
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Binoculars
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Camping chair
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Camping lantern
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Esky
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Folding picnic table
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Gazebo
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Party lights
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Rear car bike rack
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Sand bags
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Snowboard and boots
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Sun umbrella
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Swag
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Tent
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Toboggan
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Crafts and Sewing
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Hot glue gun
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Sewing machine
Home and Office:
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Camera
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Dehumidifier
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Electric heater
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Folding trestle table
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Paper guillotine
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Paper shredder
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Printer
Kids and Family:
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Car baby capsule
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Car seat
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Jumping castle
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Slip and slide
Kitchen:
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Cake stand
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Champagne glasses set
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Chocolate fountain
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Crockery set
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Drink dispenser
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Drinks bucket
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Electric frying pan
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Electric mixer
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Electric urn
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Fairy floss machine
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Fondue set
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Food dehydrator
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Food processor
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Gas camping stove
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Icecream maker
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Kitchen vacuum sealer
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Party crockery set
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Pasta maker
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Picnic set
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Popcorn maker
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Punch bowl set
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Wine glasses
Medical:
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Crutches
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Walking frame
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Wheelchair
Musical Instruments and AV:
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Guitar
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Karaoke machine
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Keyboard
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Microphone and amp
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Projector
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Ukelele
Tools and Gardening:
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Air compressor
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Allen key set
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Ball hammer
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Belt sander
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Bolt cutters
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Caulking gun
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Claw hammer
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Crow bar
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Drill
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Extension cord
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Grass seeder
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Hand plane
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Hand saw
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Hedge trimmer
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Impact driver
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Jig saw
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Ladder
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Moving dolly
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Moving trolley
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Mulcher
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Nail gun
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Orbital polisher
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Orbital sander
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Paint sprayer
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Pressure washer
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Pruning saw
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Pruning shears
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Rake
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Router
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Rubber mallet
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Screwdriver set
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Set square
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Shovel
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Sledge hammer
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Spirit level
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Wheelbarrow
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Whipper snipper
Why have a library of things?
​The Rochester Library of Things (RLOT) will improve the community in multiple ways, which are outlined in our current Mission Statement and Objectives. This framework is a work in progress, and will develop as committee members come on board and help shape the progress of the project.
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Mission Statement
Empowering our community through shared access to diverse tools and resources, fostering sustainability and creativity.
Objectives
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Sustainability: By facilitating the borrowing of items rather than ownership, the library will reduce waste and encourage the reuse of resources. This approach minimises environmental impact and promotes a culture of conservation and efficient resource use within the community.
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Community Connections: The library will strengthen local bonds by creating a shared space where individuals can interact, exchange ideas, and support one another. The library not only facilitates the exchange of physical items but also encourages dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and mutual support among community members.
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Financial Benefits: The library will offer significant financial advantages by providing access to high-cost items at a low membership fee. This model helps reduce personal expenditures on infrequently used items, making resources more accessible and manageable for individuals and families within the community.
What sort of things will I be able to borrow?
The RLOT's inventory might include:
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Hand and power tools: plane, saw, drill, orbital sander
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Gardening equipment: whipper snipper, mulcher, pruning shears
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Camping and leisure equipment: camping chair, fold out table, tent, swag
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Kitchen and party equipment: electric mixer, icecream maker, drinks dispenser, crockery set
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Toys and games: slip and slide, jumping castle, bocce, cornhole, board games, jigsaw puzzles
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Entertainment and audio-visual equipment: karaoke machine, microphone and amp, guitar
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Medical and family: wheelchair, crutches, car seat, travel cot
Do any other communities have a library of things?
The RLOT will join more than 30 other Libraries of Things and Tool Libraries around Australia. The Australian Library of Things Network (https://www.alotnetwork.org/) formed in 2022, responding to a need for existing libraries of things and tool libraries to connect with and support each other.
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Some libraries focus on a single category of item, like tools or children's toys. Tthe Echuca Moama Toy Library is a great example of this. Other libraries are joined with a Repair Cafe or Men's Shed, like the Bendigo Repair and Share Shed.
Whose idea was this anyway?
This project is being spearheaded by local community member Emma Solomano. Emma is the owner of Twist and Sprout, a shop in Rochester that sells eco-friendly food and home products. At the shop, she runs the collection of hard-to-recycle items, as well as being Rochester's drop off point for Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme. She is passionate about reducing waste, sustainability, and improving connections within the community, and she wants YOU to get on board!
How do I get involved?
Volunteer: RLOT is currently in the planning phase. We have five members and are registered as an incorporate association. We welcome more volunteers to help set up and run the library.
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Funding: If you have knowledge regarding funding bodies or grants that would be applicable to RLOT, please get in touch.
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Donations of items: Once we secure a site and funding, we will be looking for donations of inventory items at that time. Donations of money to assist with the purchase of library items will also be very valuable.
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Get in touch: If you'd like to find out more about RLOT, receive updates about our progress, or get involved, contact Emma Solomano at the following details:
0427 707 018
