Hi robbieduncan. That kitten game looks great fun Well, as long my brain & memory could keep up!
On LoT, I didn't come across specifics for its operation but maybe a borrower has to put down a suitable deposit which would be forfeited in the event of loss/theft or damage.
I'm inclined to agree with you that costs (other than rent & insurance) should be low as they say it'll be run by unpaid volunteers. That makes me wonder what the three creators get out of it considering the effort; business experience maybe?
Running it as a club rather than on an ad hoc basis will help prevent freeloaders. A very small subscription and requirement to register will deter most ne'er-do-wells. That's how most libraries operation - a combination of trust and we-know-who-you-are.
I nearly donated to the exploding kittens in it's first week on Kickstarter, but decided not to - when I went back a few months later, being reminded about it via some internet article, it was vastly oversubscribed, had easily reached its target and donations were no longer being taken (or something like that - I forget the details), anyway I was a bit miffed that I hadn't joined when I could near the start.
on a quick search online - I didn't see the kickstarter page, but did see Sacramento library of things, and also a library of things in a public library in West Norwood which started in August last year.
I wonder why this isn't more talked about - did it succeed?
The West Norwood LoT (i.e. the one with Lambeth BC's co-operation re the venue) is indeed this LoT which they say was successful. Watch the 2min video here: http://www.libraryofthings.co.uk/
However, as it was a one-off temporary venue it probably went virtually unnoticed in the wider sense since obviously it was no longer there soon after, even if word did spread.
If you mean - so why aren't there loads of them already if it was successful (not trying to put words in your mouth by the way) then I guess due to the amount of passion and unpaid effort required as well as a lack of rent-free long term venues.
That's why I think these three are stars for trying to get it to work. They're doing well so far with pledges of £9+K of the £12K they seek. Closing date for pledges is Sat 4 July if anyone's hand is hovering over their wallet...
Re kittens - looks like we'll be pestering for an invite round at robbieduncan's card table in due course
For quite some time now residents in 6 local roads have been developing strategies in order to work/live increasingly as a close knit community.
Recently we have decided to make those links much more structured and clear so as to ensure all – old or young, with or without children, wealthy or financially struggling, leaving on their own or amidst their family - have any help or support needed and know just how to access it. We have now created our own face book page, opened a dedicated email address, acquired a mobile some of us take in turns to maintain and respond to, and hold monthly meetings.
I suppose you could call this a library of mindful links? of gestures of kindness? of active looking out for others? It’s about added value – never to be associated with the so called big society as our government’s way of devolving (for free) its key duty of care to ordinary citizens.
Lee: adding things seems a truly inspired idea to me – it will be discussed at our next planning meeting this coming week.
Maria wrote:For quite some time now residents in 6 local roads have been developing strategies in order to work/live increasingly as a close knit community.
Recently we have decided to make those links much more structured and clear so as to ensure all – old or young, with or without children, wealthy or financially struggling, leaving on their own or amidst their family - have any help or support needed and know just how to access it. We have now created our own face book page, opened a dedicated email address, acquired a mobile some of us take in turns to maintain and respond to, and hold monthly meetings.
I suppose you could call this a library of mindful links? of gestures of kindness? of active looking out for others? It’s about added value – never to be associated with the so called big society as our government’s way of devolving (for free) its key duty of care to ordinary citizens.
Lee: adding things seems a truly inspired idea to me – it will be discussed at our next planning meeting this coming week.
J Lemon, a brilliant member of our planning team (and now a brand new member of this Forum too), will be writing soon with details; in the meantime, many thanks for such positive responses.
I've also created a page on StreetLife but haven't done anything with it. Have you used StreetLife before? I've recommend you check it out if not... https://www.streetlife.com.
On there you can also register items that you're willing to share with other members, similar to the library of things idea. I recently posted a pressure washer that I'm willing to lend. No legal implications.
Well, as long my brain & memory could keep up!