We’ve got our library up and running though the selection is only a few at the moment and all are parenting books from our own personal collections. We hope to add to the library by and by but with secondhand books that would be put to good (re)use, which is the main reason for the library - so that books that would otherwise collect dust on the shelf would have a second life. 
Use of the library is free as long as you’re a customer, as when we deliver your goodies, we’ll also pass you the books. We’re letting them go out on a trust only basis; we only ask that you take good care of the books and do return them!
We hope that the library is useful for you and we’re awaiting your comments and the type of books you hope to see! We also welcome any donations of books which you are not using that you think would be useful for the library.
Speaking of re-using stuff, here are three interesting online ideas (not affliated to us) that we’ve come across which make use of bartering or borrowing instead of buying. :).
Swaptree: The idea is to find others who would want your stuff for theirs and vice versa. You list your item and what you want to trade for it. You can look for items you want and see if you want to give up something the owner wants. If it sounds good, you go for the trade and mail the item. We thought this was a good way to give your used/preloved items a new lease of life as it may still be “new” to someone else who hasn’t read/listened to/played with the books/CD/video game yet. Would like to see maybe swapping of toys or clothes but can see those are probably more difficult trades, especially when you can only maybe see item quality through an image.
Neighborrow: This concept is a bit different because you get your item back. You just lend it (for free) to neighbours who need it. Could be things that aren’t used all the time and that are just necessary for a one time use now and then. I think this one also requires care and integrity, to keep the items in good shape and to return them. But then again they’re your neighbours so you know where they live…;p
Freecycle Singapore: And this third one sounds even more amazing! You get stuff that you are looking for FREE, without even having to exchange an item or pay anything for it. And it’s happening locally. At a check today there are almost 5000 members and 1000 messages in January (!) - guess it’s one of those lists you might not want to receive daily emails from!
All three ideas sound like they can save money, time, space and the environment! And maybe help you meet some nice friendly people to boot!
Note: we are not affliated to any of the above businesses/groups. We just thought you might like to know…
PS: whilst we’re talking about the 3Rs of reduce, reuse and recycle, let’s not forget that of the 3Rs for animal testing: replacement, reduction and refinement.
