Newmarket's new 'library of things' offers everything but the kitchen sink

The Lendery at Newmarket Public Library allows you to borrow things you need at the moment but don't need to own

Newmarkettoday.ca
February 6, 2020
Debora Kelly

You can borrow pretty much everything but the kitchen sink at Newmarket Public Library now.

The Lendery officially opened today, offering members a wide range of items -- from sports equipment and power tools to board games and small kitchen appliances -- donated by local residents.

At the so-called "library of things", rather than signing out books, you borrow items that you need at the moment but don’t need to own.

Newmarket Mayor John Taylor, Newmarket Public Library CEO Todd Kyle, NewMakeIt cofounder Derrol Salmon, and York Region Sustainable Waste Management manager Lindsay Milne cut the ribbon to mark the grand opening.

The Lendery, which is a partnership with the Regional Municipality of York, Newmarket Public Library and the York Region Makers (NewMakeIt), supports York Region’s SM4RT Living Plan Reuse, Repair and Repurpose strategy to achieve approximately five per cent reduction in waste generation by 2031.

The first York Region Lendery location opened at Milliken Mills Community Centre and Library in Markham last July.

You can see what's on the Lendery's shelves at Newmarket Public Library at 438 Park Ave. or browse online, and donations of items are always welcome.

“The benefit is to reduce waste by encouraging the sharing of useful items that residents often need only once in a while, such as tools, small appliances, and sports equipment,” Kyle told Newmarket Today last July.

“Library users will be able to register and then use their library cards to borrow items just like they do books and other media.”