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Australian Library of Things Network logo featuring the text “ALoT Network” inside a circular blue and teal design.

Australian Library of Things Network (ALoT Network)

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Who we are

The Australian Libraries of Things Network formed in 2022, after libraries of things (known as LoTs) identified a need to work together on problems common to the sector. Australia now has more than 30 Libraries of Things, offering their communities a way to borrow useful items, reduce waste, save money and cut emissions.

Together, these organisations are saving thousands of tonnes of items from landfill and helping Australia work towards its net zero carbon emissions goal by 2030. The network exists to make sure this collective effort is recognised and supported, so LoTs can scale their impact.

Gallery

A flat lay of various hand and power tools arranged on a wooden surface, including hammers, drills, saws, wrenches, and measuring tools.

Image of tools available to loan from the Gold Coast Tool Library.

The image shows the entrance to the Brunswick Tool Library, a community workshop space. Several people are inside working with tools, while others walk past.

The Brunswick Tool Library in one of the longest running LoTs in Australia. Founded 2013.

A group of people gather at an outdoor community event near a mural, chatting and exchanging plants at a table filled with greenery.

A popular community crop swap event at Make Do Library of Things, Coledale, NSW.

Two men work in a small, tool-filled workshop. One smiles while using a tool at a workbench, while the other focuses on drilling.

Volunteers at work at the Inner West Tool Library in Petersham, Sydney.

Three people sit at a table in a workshop, working on laptops. They wear aprons and appear focused, with tools and equipment in the background.

Volunteers at the Ballarat Tool Library.

A man leans on a counter at Community Toolbox Canberra, a tool library filled with shelves of equipment. A banner promotes the service and a sign advertises a Repair Café.

A volunteer welcomes members at the Community Tool Box in Canberra.

Three men stand by the Mallacoota & District Tool Library, with tools and equipment around them. One holds a sign, and another gestures excitedly.

The Mallacoota Tool Library was birthed out of the Black Saturday bushfires to help rebuild the community.

Three people load tools into a trailer outside the Triangle Tool Library in Cobargo, with open shipping containers stocked with equipment in the background.

The Triangle Tool Library in Cobargo was birthed out of the Black Saturday bushfires to help rebuild the community.

A row of Ryobi battery-powered lawnmowers lined up outside a tool library, with ladders and other equipment in the background.

Electric lawn mowers at the Gold Coast Tool Library, Qld.

Two people stand outside The Share Shop – A Library of Things, holding a ladder and a catering dish, smiling in front of the community lending space.

Volunteers prepare items to loan at the The Share Shop Newcastle, NSW.

What we do

What is a Library of Things?

A Library of Things lets members borrow items such as gardening tools, catering and party gear, camping equipment, tools and board games, often at very low cost. Some Libraries of Things specialise in particular categories of items, such as tool libraries, kitchen libraries or even kite libraries. As well as saving members money, they help build connected, resilient communities.

Why do LoTs matter?

Libraries of Things offer communities a way to share and maintain resources instead of buying new, reducing the impact on the planet. To meet Australia's 2030 climate targets, the country needs to shift to a truly circular economy as fast as possible. By encouraging reuse and borrowing over buying, LoTs across Australia are already helping to make that shift happen.

Our work

Service location(s):

  • Australian Capital Territory
  • New South Wales
  • Northern Territory
  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Tasmania
  • Victoria
  • Western Australia

Type(s) of actor:

  • Social enterprises
  • Peak bodies

Area(s) of activity:

Team portrait photos - contact us

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