Why buy if you can borrow? The library of 'stuff' is having a ball
The Coledale Make-Do Library of Things will hold its first Spring Ball on November 21, bringing the community together for a night of music, fashion and fundraising
From power tools and gardening equipment to sewing machines, Coledale’s Make-Do Library of Things gives locals the option to borrow instead of buy when they need something.
The volunteer-run and not-for-profit community project allows members to borrow useful items for DIY projects, household jobs, hobbies and events, giving equipment that might otherwise sit unused a second life.
Based at the rear of Coledale Community Hall, the library has grown around the idea that people do not necessarily need to own everything they use.
Photos by: Coledale Make-Do Library of Things
Treasurer and volunteer Amanda Kovacs borrows regularly from the library and said she donates things she may only use occasionally.
“I am always borrowing the sewing machine, also tables for parties and I also often borrow the carpet cleaning machine because my cat is always making a mess of my lounge,” she said.
“I have also donated my food dehydrator and my bread maker because I don't use them all the time or have the space to store them, so they live at the library.”
Amanda Kovacs volunteers at Make Do Library. Photos thanks to Amanda Kovacs
Amanda said she joined because she was new to the area and wanted to meet new people in her community.
“When we moved to the area, one of my friends reached out and said they needed a new treasurer – I put my hand up and said I'd get involved,” she said.
“Five years later, I’m still the treasurer and I also do shifts – it is such a good community initiative.
“I essentially make sure our cashflow is positive, that we can pay the rent and keep the lights on.”
For locals, the library is a practical way to save money on items they may need only every now and then.
Rather than purchasing equipment for a single project or keeping things they rarely use, members can access what they need when they need it while avoiding the cost and clutter.
Photos by: Coledale Make-Do Library of Things
“When you realise you suddenly need something, you can just pop down the road and borrow it,” Amanda said.
“It is a great thing to not have all this excess waste of things that you're not going to be using all the time and it's also a big financial benefit because memberships are only $22 a quarter.”
The Make-Do Library of Things is bringing its ethos to the dance floor with its first Spring Ball on November 21.
Guests are invited to beg, borrow or make their outfits for the chance to win best-dressed prizes and are also invited to enjoy live music, DJs, snacks and drinks.
Amanda said the adult-only free event hopes to bring awareness to the library and the things it has on offer while encouraging donations.
“We have hired the community centre for the night and we're going to showcase all these great things people can borrow,” she said.
“We want the ball to bring awareness to the library and all of the things we have on offer there but we also want a good excuse to raise money and have a party.
“We get a lot of donations of party equipment. We have disco balls and catering items and we just thought it would be fun to use them, showcase them and have a party whilst raising funds.”
Photo by: Coledale Make-Do Library of Things
As the library continues to grow, the ball will be an opportunity to introduce more locals to the community project and encourage more people to get involved.
