The idea for the Library of THINGS, inspired by the Leila Library in Berlin, was born in spring 2014, when we were looking for suitable content for the revival of the Community Centre in Savsko naselje. We were looking for a concept that would attract neighbourhood residents to use and co-create its programme. The Slovenia Coworking initiative helped us with their experience in the field of research and implementation of various aspects of sharing. With joined forces, we brought the principles of a sharing economy from theory into practice.

From the very beginning, we wanted to motivate others to start new libraries of things in other towns and neighbourhoods. That is why we prepared a Handbook detailing how to set up a library of things, which, through practical examples, describes the key activities that need to be done in order for the project to be successfully implemented.

Together with the Library, the Savsko naselje Community Centre also came to life. It is becoming an important communal space in the neighbourhood. The Library’s space can be rented (free of charge) for all types of events, but they must be free for visitors. Librarians help with coordination and promotion of events such as sewing workshops, dance evenings, computer courses, board game nights, lectures, as well as various swap events. The creators of the program are largely local residents of Savsko naselje. Numerous vulnerable groups have also started using the space. The Community Centre thus strengthens social life within the neighbourhood and changes the image of the residential neighbourhood as a bedroom community.