Buy Nowt LS6 - Library of Things
WHERE
Leeds
What it’s like
Borrow tools, camping gear and household kit for a small donation instead of buying new, at a volunteer-run lending library in Headingley.
This isn't a soft play or a farm, it's a lending library for stuff rather than books. Drills, tents, carpet cleaners, that sort of thing, mostly donated by people clearing out sheds and garages. You join up, borrow what you need for a week or two, then bring it back. There's no late fee if you're running behind, which takes the pressure off if half term throws your plans out.
It only opens for a few hours at a time, Tuesday evening, Friday teatime and Saturday afternoon, at Headingley Methodist Church on Chapel Street. Membership works on a pay-as-you-feel basis, anywhere from nothing to £20 a month, and they say nobody gets turned away for lack of funds. It's open to LS6 and the surrounding postcodes, so it's really a local thing rather than somewhere to make a special trip to.
If you've got young kids, the honest answer is there isn't much here designed for them. It's a practical errand, a browse round a small room of donated kit, not an outing with things to climb on or look at. Where it earns its place on a list of family stops is more as the place you nip into on a Saturday afternoon while doing something else nearby, borrow a bike pump or a paddling pool for the weekend, and be out again in ten minutes.
Parking's free for four hours on Chapel Street itself, though spaces are tight, with an hour free at the Headingley Taps car park just up the road if you strike out.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- Free 4-hour parking on Chapel Street but space is limited
- Reservations are for members only, and pick-up or return is Friday or Saturday only
- Items are mostly secondhand donations, not new stock, so what's in depends on what's come in
- Chapel Street parking is free but the spaces go quickly
Plan your visit
What are the opening hours?
Tuesday 6-8pm, Friday 4-6pm and Saturday 1-4pm, at Headingley Methodist Church on Chapel Street.
How much does it cost to join?
It's pay-as-you-feel, anywhere from £0 to £20 a month. They say nobody is turned away for lack of funds.
Who can become a member?
Anyone living in LS6 or the neighbouring LS2, LS3, LS4, LS5, LS7 and LS16 postcodes. If you're outside those but have a strong tie to LS6, you can email to ask about an exception.
Is there anywhere to park?
Free parking for four hours on Chapel Street, though it's limited. Headingley Taps car park nearby gives an hour free if that's full.
How long can I keep something I've borrowed?
One to two weeks, and there are no late fees if you go over. Collection and drop-off both have to happen on a Friday or Saturday.
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