Supported by individual givers and:
At Share Bristol we are making it easier for everyone in Bristol to borrow or repair the things they need to live their lives – things such as tools for projects around the home and garden, kit for adventures and parties and more.
At Share Bristol our vision is that everybody shares. We want to see a network of high street community hubs – Libraries of Things – across the wider Bristol area. We opened Bristol’s first Library of Things in Kingswood in May 2021 and the second, in Bedminster, in May 2024. Why not visit us?
Share Bristol started out as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, but in November 2023 we become a registered charity. Find out the reasons for this change in this blog.
The Library of Things movement is growing across the globe, helping people save money and space in their homes, helping the environment by making good use of our resources and strengthening communities.
We believe that every neighbourhood across the wider Bristol area needs a Share Bristol Library of Things, because we:
Ben Smith
Ben brings with him a decade of experience in the bike industry, doing everything from practical repairs to organising stock warehouses and running retail premises. He plays guitar and builds his own guitars and effect pedals, developing his knowledge of electronics. Ben is Share Bristol’s most practical person, the one we look to when things don’t work as they should!
Ben was motivated to set up Share Bristol as he would often borrow and lend things, and wanted to help others have the same opportunities. His favourite bit of volunteering at the Library of Things is ‘nerding out’ over power tools and seeing lots of things being borrowed so people don’t have to buy them.
Ben lives in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire and for his next project will be borrowing the bench saw and router to build a complex multi-level pedal board for guitar effects out of reclaimed wood.
Anna Perry
Anna is an experienced charity CEO, with two decades of experience in the public and third sector in various management and operational roles, with other interests in property and retail. Anna has an MBA and various qualifications in leadership, management and fundraising.
Anna was keen to help set up Share Bristol as she wants to decrease the negative impact of throwaway consumerism, help people get access to things they could not otherwise afford and support our local high streets. Her favourite part of volunteering at Share Bristol is seeing so many new things being donated and added to the catalogue, and feeling like we are making a tangible difference in the local area.
Anna lives in St George, Bristol and is currently refurbishing her house so is pleased to be able to borrow many things, from carpet cleaners to multi-meters, from safety glasses to wallpaper strippers.
Lindsay Turner
Lindsay joined the Share Bristol team in early 2023. She is a professional fundraiser and focuses on income generation, particularly grant funding. Lindsay has a wide range of experience in not for profits, both in the UK and abroad, which she brings to the team.
As she has recently returned to the UK, Lindsay was keen to get involved in a local project which genuinely helps local communities. As sustainability is close to her heart and Lindsay has benefitted from using Libraries of Things in other countries, Share Bristol fitted nicely!
Lindsay lives in St George, Bristol and her first borrow from the library was a waffle maker!
Anna Ralph
Anna joined Share Bristol in 2023, bringing a deep knowledge of the Bedminster area, organisations and people. She has recently completed a Masters in practical sustainability, and enjoys being able to put concepts into practice at Share Bristol.
Anna has led on setting up Share Bristol’s second Library of Things, which is on East Street in Bedminster, and is looking forward to seeing many local people walk through the doors and building partnerships with other local organisations.
Anna lives in Bedminster and the first item she reserved was also a waffle maker. Yummy!
Why is sharing a good thing? What difference does it make? How does a Library of Things fit into this?
We you to have a great experience of Share Bristol. Yes, you! We’re hoping to create a safe environment for everyone.
We want you to have a great experience of Share Bristol. And we don’t want it to cost the earth.
We you to have a great experience of Share Bristol. This usually means we need to know a little about you, such as your name and email address. We’ll keep it safe an not do anything unexpected with it.
We want you to have a great experience of Share Bristol. We love hearing from you as it helps us to learn and improve.
Supported by individual givers and:
Share Bristol is a registered charity (England and Wales, 1205666) and a registered company (England and Wales, 12596714), at 1-5 High Street, Bristol BS15 4AA.