The graph below is from the Australian Library of Things Network (ALOT) first survey of Australian share libraries. It was published earlier this year. It’s easy to see why most others are still comfortable operating with just 5-10 dedicated volunteers. We grew after the flood on the back of funding that paid for a co ordinator. In Nov 2023 that funding ran out but the demand didn’t ease up.
At 5000 loans a year recorded April 22-23 and then repeated 23-24 the operation was under extreme pressure to keep up with the maintenance on all the assets and keep the shed in a safe to operate condition. In December 2023 we announced that unless more members stepped up to cover hours of tasks needed to be done that the initiative would be in trouble. On July 1st, 2024 we changed the membership model to be a co operative one. Meaning those benefiting from the initiative were equally responsible for delivering the operation. Governance including financial management is provided by the Mullum Cares Board. The Library of Stuff is not a stand alone entity but a project of Mullum Cares Incorporated.
In December 2024 a program of activities was published to provide members with an easy way to lock in their 5 hours a month time contributions in advance and get email reminders leading up to the activities. Now it’s up to members to make sure they have an oar and then make sure they start rowing without having to be reminded.
To read more about Library’s of Things around the country check out the ALOT report just below.
