The Spotlight: Borrowing Clothes from the Library
At a library in Dover, New Hampshire, earlier this year, visitors were surprised to find racks of clothes alongside the usual books and CDs available for lending. This pilot project, known as a clothing library, allowed community members to check out up to five garments for two weeks at a time. The aim was to encourage people to borrow rather than buy, reducing waste and promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion.
The creator of the clothing library, Stella Martinez McShera, came up with the idea as part of her thesis project for a degrowth master’s program. She wanted to address the issues associated with fast fashion and promote a more circular approach to clothing consumption. By collecting surplus garments from local thrift and vintage stores, McShera was able to build a collection of over 1,500 items for the pilot.
The pilot program included a fashion show, eco-fashion panel, and workshops on mending and styling, all aimed at changing people’s perspectives on their relationship with their wardrobes. Over 100 garments were borrowed during the pilot, all of which were returned in good condition.
McShera’s ultimate vision is to see a network of clothing libraries across communities, sharing resources, advocating for policy change, and promoting sustainable fashion practices. With interest from other local libraries in hosting similar pilots, the concept of borrowing clothes from the library could become a norm in the future.
More Exposure
A parting shot: Public libraries and community organizations are increasingly offering “libraries of things,” including items like toys, gear, musical instruments, and more, for people to borrow. This trend towards borrowing rather than buying reflects a shift towards more sustainable and resourceful consumption practices.
