The “Library of Things” at Goethe-Institutes in countries of Central Eastern Europe

Abstract

In times of climate change and a throwaway society, the Goethe-Institutes in the Central Eastern Europe region contribute to sustainability by offering the "Library of Things". In addition to books, magazines, audiovisual and digital media, the libraries also offer various equipment, tools and toys for borrowing as part of library membership. This also includes things that are expensive to buy, are only used occasionally and therefore do not necessarily have to be bought privately by users. The "Library of Things" offers a low-cost, environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative to use these things. The first "Library of Things" was created in 2016 at Goethe-Institut in Bratislava, then in 2017 at Goethe-Institut in Prague; it was followed by the offer at Goethe-Institut in Riga in 2021 and at Goethe-Institut in Budapest in 2022. The selection of borrowable items is expanded annually. In 2023, it is planned to set up the "Library of Things" at the Goethe-Institut in Warsaw. Another aim of the "Library of Things" offer is to connect people and to create awareness for property and the resource-saving sharing of property. In this context, the libraries organise events and workshops on sustainability topics every year, also in cooperation with locally active organisations.