The Buxton Library of Things, run by Transition Buxton volunteers within the book library on Kents Bank Road is two years old on 1st February 2026.
Buxton Library of Things is one of several hundred community enterprises across the UK providing people in their communities with the opportunity to borrow instead of buying things that are only needed occasionally or once. The inventory of over 150 items in the Buxton Library includes; a wide range of power and hand tools for DIY and gardening, projectors and screens, ladders, an urn, cups and glasses, camp bed, travel cot, gazebos, carpet cleaners and pressure washers.
225 Borrowers have joined the Buxton Library of Things and in the two years since opening 368 loans have been completed.
It costs £5 to be a Member of Buxton Library of Things, £2.50 if you are unwaged. No matter when you join, the Membership fee is not payable until your first borrow. Once you are a Member you can reserve and borrow anything from the inventory. Borrowing is by the week and suggested fees are between £1 and £5 per item per week (negotiable for unwaged). Things can be collected from and returned to the Library on Mondays 4:30- 5:45pm, and Saturdays 10am-12:00, or by arrangement, or opt for the Cargo Bike delivery service.
“Our Borrowers are part of our Library community, and just about every item is returned on time, clean and in good working order ready to go out to someone else. We love hearing the Borrowers stories of goals achieved, projects completed, and money saved. Most of the items in our inventory have been donated and they keep coming, so the inventory continues to grow. And of course we are very grateful to Derbyshire County Council, and the patience of the Librarians, for allowing us to occupy space at the book library on Kents Bank Road – we couldn’t offer this valuable service if we had to pay commercial rent.” said Jean Ball from Transition Buxton CIC
Now nearby Tideswell and Chesterfield are amongst those preparing to open Libraries of Things elsewhere in Derbyshire to support a more resilient local economy.
To browse the inventory online or to join Buxton Library of Things go to: https://buxtonlibraaryofthings.myturn.com/libary/ Any questions contact the team by email: library@transitionbuxton.co.uk