The Vendres Partageothèque, to exchange objects… and knowledge

L’atelier propose tout un choix d’outils pour bricoler et même des instruments de musique.

Les bénévoles de l’association.

Des jeux sont à disposition des enfants.

Les adhérents peuvent emprunter tout ce qu’ils veulent.

La Partageothèque is an association created in Vendres in September 2023, after winning the second Hérault participatory budget competition. She set up two Algeco containers in the courtyard of the old school. Inside are stored all kinds of objects: board games, DIY tools, kitchen utensils, etc.

The concept is that members can borrow whatever they need. "The idea comes from the DIY libraries that exist in big cities, where you can borrow DIY tools. We are a group of friends, we shared what we needed between us. We said to ourselves that it would be good to open a DIY library, but for all kinds of objects", explains Donatienne Baudet, one of the founders. "We have an ecological aim. Some things are only useful once a year, it's a shame to buy them and then throw them away".

Thanks to the support of the Department, the association was able to invest in gathering quality materials and starting faster than expected. To borrow from the Partageothèque, you must take out a membership of €10 per year. An uncashed annual deposit check of €100 covers items whose price is less than this sum. For items of a higher value, a check for the value of the item is requested with each loan. The member can then enjoy their utensil for a week, renewable once. For creative and leisure items like musical instruments, it's 3 weeks.

Already 80 members

Approximately 80 people have already registered for the Share Library. "It's not just people from Vendrois, we also see people from the surrounding villages. Some people are starting to have the reflex to come as soon as they need something", appreciates Donatienne. A dozen volunteers take care of welcoming them, plus a few occasional leaders. "We offer workshops once a month, to show how objects work. You can learn to sew or repair a bicycle. The idea is to also share your know-how. This creates an intergenerational bond, retired elders have skills that they pass on to younger people." To strengthen this bond, the association will organize a party on June 15 where children , adults and elderly people will be able to join in activities around objects from the Share Library.

Correspondent Midi Libre: 06 46 32 13 96.

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