Have you heard about The Share Shop? It’s a library of things in the Newcastle suburb of Hamilton where you can borrow things instead of buying them. Located at Pachamama House, it’s a great way to save money and be sustainable.
The library itself isn’t big but it’s filled with things you can borrow.
Newy with Kids stopped by The Share Shop recently to chat with Natalie, President of The Share Shop and Pauline, one of the volunteers.
There are both sustainable and financial benefits to The Share Shop. Think about your own stuff. How much of your house is full of items that you don’t need? How often have you bought something and end up only using it once or twice?
That’s the reason for the The Share Shop – A Library of Things. It’s a way to help you spend less on things you don’t need, and use less space to store items in your home.
It’s also a great opportunity to try new things before you invest in equipment. Before you buy it, you can borrow it and see if it suits your purpose.
There are loads of things to borrow. The most popular items are tools such as whipper snippers, hedgers, power sprayers, garden tools and power tools.
But there are lots of things for families to borrow including:
- Board games
- Puzzles
- Rollerblades
- Camping equipment
- Baking supplies
- Chocolate fountain
- Party supplies including bain marine, ice cream / sorbet maker
- Boogie boards
There are some unique items to borrow as well like the inflatable kayak, pogo stick, telescope and an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner.
Membership for the Share Shop costs $52 per year or $15 per quarter. With this membership, you can borrow up to 5 items a week and keep them for a 2-week loan.
The inventory of The Share Shop is available to view online and once you are a member you can reserve things before you come in. That way, they will be ready for you to pick up when you arrive.
The Share Shop also accepts donations. The Share Shop is always looking for Ryobi battery packs, whipper snipper and other garden tools.
If you have items that you wish to donate, check the Donation Guidelines on the website and email the coordinator with photos and a description. Items have to be in working condition to be accepted.
Open Saturdays from 10am to 12pm, The Share Shop is a community organisation run entirely by volunteers. The Share Shop is currently looking for volunteers. It’s a minimum 1 shift per month (2 hours) and you don’t need any special skills.
To find out more about The Share Shop including purchasing a membership online, visit The Share Shop website. The Share Shop is located at Pachamama House in Hamilton.
You can also set up your own “Share Shop” with your friends and family. If you need something, ask around your network and see if you can borrow something.
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Started in late 2012 by a local mum, Newy with Kids has grown into a thriving go-to family guide for the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & Hunter region. Parents visit the Newy with Kids website to find things to do with babies, kids and teens. Whether it’s local attractions, upcoming events, kids eat free, school holiday activities or birthday party ideas, Newy with Kids is the best website for local parents to find local kid-friendly activities and information 24/7.