Libraries, including us, have always been in the sharing business—long before the term “sharing economy” became popular. From borrowing books, movies, and music to sharing our community spaces, study rooms, and technology, our library operates on a simple yet powerful idea: access over ownership.
In today’s world, the sharing economy is transforming how we think about resources. Whether it’s rideshares, tool libraries, or clothing swaps, people are embracing new ways to share, save money, and reduce waste. Public libraries have always embodied this philosophy—and we’re expanding it in exciting ways.
Sharing Beyond Books
This year, we’ve hosted several events that directly connect our community through the sharing economy:
- FormalSHARE: Over 200 prom dresses, suits, and accessories found new life at this special event. Teens and adults “shopped” formalwear for free, reducing the need to purchase new clothing—one of the most resource-intensive industries on the planet.
- Puzzle Swap: Community members donated gently-used jigsaw puzzles and picked up new challenges—proving that great entertainment doesn’t have to come in new packaging.
- Costume Swap: Halloween costumes for kids were donated for little ones to come, view and pick. How great that costumes get more than one scare and wear.
Upcoming Swap Programs and other activities
Craft & Hobby Swap (coming May 31) – Learn more here: Crafters and hobbyists will have the chance to trade unused supplies, keeping materials out of landfills and sparking new creative projects.
Our seed library is stocked for Spring 2025 on the upper floor. You are welcome to to help yourself to up to four packets per person per planting season. Thank you to all of the neighbors who saved seeds in 2024 to share them with our community.
Board Game Swap | Saturday, July 19
Costume Swap | September 27
Why It Matters: Reducing Waste, Strengthening Community
According to the EPA, Americans generated 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2018—about 4.9 pounds per person per day. Reuse, swaps, and shared services are powerful tools in fighting that waste. Every book you borrow, every craft item you swap, or dress you share means fewer new materials need to be produced.
- The National Wildlife Federation reports that reusing and sharing clothing reduces water use, pollution, and energy consumption significantly, especially since textile production is the second-largest consumer of water globally.
- Studies have found that sharing and reuse programs like libraries, tool shares, and clothing swaps help build stronger social ties. According to the Urban Sustainability Directors Network, cities that embrace the sharing economy experience increased civic engagement, neighborhood connections, and resilience.
Libraries Are—and Always Have Been—Leaders in the Sharing Economy
As we plan more community swaps and events, we’re proud to continue our role as a steward of shared resources. Every time you borrow, swap, or share at the library, you’re participating in an economy rooted in care—for your community and the planet.
Stay tuned for more ways to connect, share, and reduce waste together. And don’t forget to clean out those craft closets for our Craft & Hobby Swap on May 30—because when we share what we have, everyone benefits.
Written by Donna Jackson – Marketing – Plymouth District Library