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Ikea owner Ingka Group has officially opened a new Library of Things at Livat Hammersmith, a circular economy concept that allows customers to “affordably borrow” everyday items.
Items such as drills, sound systems and sewing machines will be available to borrow from the local hub, while Ingka Group said the community-powered social enterprise will help people save money and reduce waste.
The new Livat Hammersmith site will feature over 20 household, DIY and gardening items for residents to borrow for as little as a few pounds per day. Customers will also be able to reserve items online ready to collect from a self-service kiosk in the Livat Hammersmith Meeting Place.
Emma Shaw, co-founder of Library of Things, said: “We’ve had lots of interest in Library of Things from Hammersmith residents and organisations – so we’re excited that they’ll soon be able to borrow quality items like Bosch drills, Kärcher pressure washers and STIHL hedge trimmers for a few pounds per day. This is an important step for Library of Things, as we expand our work to create a community-led circular economy in neighbourhoods across London.”
Natalia Petalina, meeting place manager at Livat Hammersmith, added: “The needs of the local community is at the heart of everything we do in Hammersmith, providing the community with different ways to spend time together. We are excited to welcome Library of Things into our meeting space to help residents of Hammersmith save money and reduce their waste to live more sustainably.”
Livat Hammersmith is already home to the first Atelier100 store, a new joint venture from H&M and Ingka Group. The “first-of-its-kind” collaboration represents a “sustainable and hyper-local” approach to retail.
The project first launched in April with an open call for creatives, makers and manufacturers living within 100km of central London to share their product ideas.
The first creatives have been chosen and are in the process of bringing their products to life through the Atelier100 funding and mentorship programme, and are set to sell their products from autumn 2022.
Until then, the new shop will showcase a range of products designed and manufactured by London-based creatives. The new space has also been designed to be multi-functional, and will host workshops, talks and events.
