From owning to sharing: Library of Things opens in Elephant and Castle

South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us is excited to share the expansion of Library of Things – a community-powered social enterprise that helps people save money and reduce waste, by making it easier to borrow instead of buy.

With a new location now open in Elephant and Castle at the Castle Leisure Centre, local residents in South Bank and Waterloo are within close distance to a sharing library. From drills and sewing machines to sound systems and carpet cleaners, items can be borrowed for just a few pounds a day – making practical tools and equipment more accessible to all.

Reducing waste is one of the aims of South Bank and Waterloo Sustains Us, helping to create a fairer and greener neighbourhood by 2030. Sharing libraries reduce unnecessary consumption and help foster a culture of repair and reuse – all vital to creating a more inclusive, low-waste neighbourhood. They also provide an important alternative during the cost-of-living crisis, helping people save space and money while cutting emissions.

Library of Things has already helped Londoners save over £8 million and avoid 379 tonnes of waste. Its growing network is embedded in everyday spaces like leisure centres and community hubs, making sharing the new norm by supporting less consumption and more reuse.

GET INVOLVED

Local residents can get 10% off their first borrow by using the code HEYSOUTHWARK10 at checkout. If cost is a barrier, there’s a no-questions-asked 25% off concession available too.

Visit the Elephant and Castle Library of Things webpage here to browse the catalogue, sign up, and use your discount code.