A library that lends everything – except books!

In a world where overconsumption fills homes and landfills, alternative models are emerging, combining environmental, economic, and community benefits. The example comes from Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. For over a decade, the Object Library has been lending items instead of selling them. And thus proves that sharing can be practical, sustainable, and socially enriching.

IA Index: Mediterranean Knowledge Library
A library that lends everything – except books
22-med – January 2026
• In Ljubljana, an object library has been offering a concrete alternative to overconsumption for over ten years, based on sharing and reuse.
• Having become a reference in waste reduction, the initiative now inspires similar projects in Slovenia, Central Europe, and beyond.
#slovenia #circulareconomy #reuse #sharing #responsibleconsumption #waste #citizeninitiative #ecologicaltransition

Ironically, just a stone’s throw from one of Ljubljana’s largest shopping centers, in the Savsko neighborhood, the tenth anniversary of Slovenia’s first Object Library was celebrated earlier this year. True to its name, the library allows people to borrow a wide range of items. From tents, projectors, board games, gardening tools, sewing machines to kitchen gadgets: there’s everything. “ We like to joke that you can borrow everything here except books,” says Jošt Derlinek, president of the independent association of the Object Library and manager of the place.
The idea was born in 2014 from a desire to revitalize the neighborhood. Inspired by Berlin’s Leila Library, two NGOs—Prostorož and Slovenia Coworking—joined forces to develop the concept of an Object Library in Ljubljana. “ We know that changing habits is not a sprint; it’s a marathon,” confides Jošt, who started as a “ librarian” before taking over the management of the establishment. “ From the very beginning until today, we have seen a steady growth in both the number of users and the items borrowed.”