Derby residents can now borrow tools for one-off jobs

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-17 14:32 3 min read

Organized collection of hand tools hanging on a wooden workshop wall rack.

Derby residents can now borrow tools, gardening equipment and household kit from the new Library of Things at Chellaston Library. The recurring service opens every Thursday from 12pm to 2pm and is aimed at local people who need an item temporarily rather than buying or storing it.

A small annual membership fee applies. Residents must register online through the Share Cycle Derby website before browsing the catalogue and reserving items for collection.

The community-run service officially launched on Sunday 27 July in partnership with the not-for-profit Share Cycle Derby CIC. Derby City Council confirmed the opening in an update published on 17 August 2026.

Tools, bakeware and gardening kit available to borrow

The collection includes jet washers, gardening equipment, tools and bakeware. Camping gear and craft kits are among the other types of useful items the project accepts as donations, although the precise selection available to borrow will depend on the current Share Cycle Derby catalogue.

The lending model works in much the same way as a traditional library, but replaces books with practical equipment. It is intended for residents who need something for a one-off project, cannot afford to purchase it or lack space to keep it at home.

Derby residents can now borrow tools for one-off jobs

Sharing the equipment also provides an alternative to buying new items that may receive little use. Share Cycle Derby said most things in its collection had been donated and serviced by local residents or businesses before being made available.

How collection and return works at Chellaston Library

After registering and paying the annual membership fee, members can browse the online catalogue and reserve the items they want. Reserved equipment is then collected from Chellaston Library and must be cleaned before it is returned after use.

Volunteers manage the Library of Things and are available during the Thursday opening between noon and 2pm to welcome visitors and help them locate the equipment they have reserved.

The council’s notice does not state the exact annual membership cost or provide specific transport or accessibility information. Prospective members can check the registration process and current catalogue through the Share Cycle Derby website before travelling to the library.

Residents can also donate equipment or volunteer

The project is seeking both donated items and volunteers as it develops its Chellaston collection. It can accept useful equipment including tools, gardening supplies, camping gear, bakeware and craft kits.

Volunteer roles extend beyond helping during opening hours. Share Cycle Derby is looking for people who can assist with tool collections, PAT testing, day-to-day operations and administration.

Councillor Sarah Chambers, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Equalities and Public Safety, said the partnership was designed to provide a practical service while building a sense of community through the library.

Anyone interested in borrowing, donating or volunteering can visit the Share Cycle Derby website or contact the project at [email protected]. Collections take place at Chellaston Library every Thursday from 12pm to 2pm.

Source: Derby City Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check How this was checked

The practical details were drawn from Derby City Council’s published account of the Chellaston service.

Checks

Confirmed the weekly Thursday opening time as 12pm to 2pm.
Checked that online registration and a small annual membership fee apply.
Matched the stated borrowing process: reserve, collect, clean and return.
Kept transport, accessibility and the exact fee unspecified because the source does not pr...

Derby City Council Check wider coverage