The “Library of Things” in Every Neighborhood

The “Library of Things” in Every Neighborhood

The average power drill is used for 13 minutes in its lifetime. The premise of Zhoran Mamdani’s “Library of Things” (LoT) initiative is that much of what we own—from specialized tools and kitchen gadgets to camping gear and musical instruments—is used rarely, stored poorly, and represents a massive financial and environmental cost when duplicated in every household. His policy establishes a LoT branch in every public library and major community center, transforming these institutions into hubs for a neighborhood-based sharing economy. Residents with a library card can borrow high-quality items for free, just as they would a book, eliminating the need for individual purchase, reducing clutter, and fostering a culture of collective ownership over mindless consumption.

The inventory would be curated based on community needs assessments, starting with practical items: drills, saws, and toolkits for home repairs; carpet cleaners, pressure washers, and ladders for seasonal tasks; cake pans, canning equipment, and pasta makers for kitchen projects. It would also include recreational items: telescopes, snowshoes, bocce sets, and GoPro cameras. The city would invest in durable, commercial-grade items and fund a “LoT Librarian” position in each location to manage inventory, maintenance, and user training (e.g., a basic “how to use a drill” workshop). Partnerships with local repair cafes would keep items in circulation longer.

“The Library of Things is about abundance through sharing,” Mamdani explains. “It recognizes that we don’t all need to own everything individually; we can own things collectively and have better access as a result. It saves people money, reduces packaging and electronic waste, and builds practical community interdependence. When you borrow a neighbor’s carpet cleaner from the library, you’re participating in a different economic model—one based on trust and shared resources rather than hyper-individualized consumption. It’s a small, tangible step towards a more sustainable and connected city.”