Library of Things
Borrow useful items for study, projects, and everyday life.
The Library of Things
The winning idea from the Library Next Chapter Challenge Competition at University of Surrey, The Library of Things is a sustainability and student success initiative designed to support learning, creativity, wellbeing, and everyday student life.
This service allows students to borrow useful everyday items instead of purchasing them, helping to reduce costs, encourage sharing, and promote sustainable living across campus.
Whether you need a toolkit or sewing kit for repairs; desk fans, laptop stands or cables for studying, tripods or speakers for events, or even a badminton kit for relaxing, our collection is here to help.
What is a Library of Things?
A Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional items that can be borrowed in the same way as books. By sharing resources, we help reduce waste, save money, and increase access to useful equipment.
Items available may include:
- Laptops, laptop stands, whiteboards, desk lamps and desk fans
- Toolkits and DIY equipment
- Leisure and recreational items
- Small event equipment for societies such as portable speakers, tripods, light ring, clip-on microphone
- Presentation equipment
- Chargers, adapters, and technology accessories.
A selection of items available from the Library of Things
Eligibility
The Library of Things is available to:
- Current University of Surrey students over the age of 18.
A campus card is required for all loans.
How to borrow an item
Come to the Library Level 1 and browse the display stand of “Things”
Take the check out tag to the Library Welcome Desk and we will fetch the Thing and issue it to your library account (loanable laptops are available in the Laptop lockers on Level 1 of the Library).
Please return the item by its due date and time.
Please have your Campus Card with you when you wish to borrow and return a Thing.
Availability of Things will change throughout the year, particularly during assessment periods
Loan periods
Loan periods vary depending on the item.
Some study equipment (calculators and headphones) are short loan for up to 8 hours, most Things are loaned for up to 7 days.
No Thing can be reserved in advance.
Things can not be renewed.
Returns
Things must be returned directly to the Library Welcome desk (apart from Loanable laptops which must be returned to the laptop lockers on level 1). Please ensure all components and accessories are also returned.
Late returns may incur charges or future temporary borrowing restrictions.
Please bring your campus card when you wish to return a Thing.
Care and responsibility
Borrowers are responsible for:
- Using items safely and appropriately
- Returning items on time
- Reporting any faults or damage
- Returning all included accessories.
Loss or significant damage may result in replacement charges.