Case for Support - grgcnnr/LoT GitHub Wiki
This page sets out the case for why funders, sponsors, and the community should back the Library of Things. It covers the social, environmental, and economic arguments, and notes how the project aligns with the priorities of the funding bodies we're approaching.
The Social Case
Access regardless of income
Quality tools and equipment should not be the preserve of those who can afford to buy, or hire them at retail rates. The LoT makes practical resources accessible to all Nelson Tasman residents — whether you're a renter without storage space, a young family on a budget, a community group hosting a larger-than-usual event, or a punter who needs a hand with a repair project.
Community connection
The library is more than a storage facility. It becomes a place where people meet, share knowledge, and help each other. Volunteer-run organisations like this strengthen the social fabric of communities in ways that go beyond the direct service they provide. The LoT is a venue where those with valuable life-skills can share them, and others can learn.
Building capability
When people have access to the right tools, and knowledge about how nest to use them, they can fix things, build things, and take on projects they'd otherwise pay for or abandon.
This builds practical skills and confidence across the community, and increases resilience to economic and environmental distress.
Volunteering opportunities
The LoT will create meaningful volunteering roles for people of all ages and backgrounds — from front-of-house to inventory management to minor repairs and maintenance. Similar to Bike Hub, The LoT will rely on both volunteers who enjoy interacting with the general public and solving their needs, as well as creating a social space for those who prefer to work behind the scenes stocking and repairing items.
The Environmental Case
Reducing consumption
Every item borrowed is a potential item not purchased. The LoT directly reduces the demand for new goods — particularly single-use or rarely-used items.
Extending useful life
Items in the library are commercial quality, and well-maintained & kept in good repair, extending their useful life well beyond what a privately owned item might achieve. The library also creates a natural channel for quality second-hand donations and may even be able to donate surplus items to people in need.
Supporting repair over replace
By providing repair tools and connecting people with the skills to use them, the LoT actively supports a repair culture — one of the most effective ways to reduce waste.
Circular economy alignment
The LoT is a practical embodiment of circular economy principles: keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract maximum value, then recover and regenerate materials at end of life.
Climate relevance
The e-cargo bike, thermal imaging cameras, and other sustainability-focused items in the inventory directly support residents in making their homes and lives more energy-efficient.
The Economic Case
Saving residents money
A family borrowing a sander, a tent, and a pressure washer over the course of a year could save hundreds of dollars compared to hiring or buying. The LoT makes those savings available to anyone.
Low-cost service model
Because the LoT is volunteer-operated (probably), the cost of delivering the service is a fraction of what a commercial equivalent would cost. Grant funding goes a long way. The LoT would operate on a koha model to lower barriers to entry, either per-item or an annual membership model.
Supporting local resilience
Community services that reduce financial pressure on households — particularly lower-income households — contribute to broader economic resilience in the region.
Alignment with Funder Priorities
| Funder | Relevant priorities |
|---|---|
| Nelson City Council | Community wellbeing, waste minimisation, sustainability, community empowerment |
| Rātā Foundation | "Connect" (resilient communities), "Sustain" (environmental sustainability), "Participate" (removing barriers to access); covers Nelson/Tasman region |
| Top of the South Community Foundation | Environment fund, community wellbeing, equity — covers Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough |
| Pub Charity / Lion Foundation | Community benefit, recreation, wellbeing |
| Local businesses (Bunnings, Mitre10) | Community goodwill, brand alignment with DIY/home improvement, staff engagement, drives materials sales |
Proof of Concept
This model is not new or untested. Libraries of Things and tool libraries operate successfully across New Zealand and internationally. See Case-Studies for detailed examples from Auckland, Hamilton, London, and Sweden.
What We're Asking For
At this stage, we are seeking:
- A small feasibility / planning grant to validate the concept, engage the community, and establish the legal and governance structure
- Letters of support from community organisations and council bodies
- In-kind support — space, professional services, equipment donations