Ever bought a tool for one DIY job, only for it to spend the next three years gathering dust in a cupboard? We've all been there.
Maybe it's a drill you needed to put up a shelf, a sander for that furniture makeover you were determined to finish, or a piece of equipment you weren't quite ready to invest in.
What if you could just borrow what you need, when you need it?
That's exactly what we're making possible at Restocked CIC's Graft & Craft Library of Things in Stockport.
Our Library of Things gives local people access to useful tools and equipment without the expense of buying them outright. And because we believe that having the right tools is only half the battle, we're also running practical workshops to help you build the skills and confidence to use them.
What Is a Library of Things?
Think of it like a traditional library, but instead of borrowing books, you borrow tools and equipment.
Whether you're making repairs around the home, taking on a DIY project or trying something creative, our Library of Things makes it easier to get things done without having to buy equipment you might rarely use.
It's a simple idea with plenty of benefits:
Save money: Access equipment without paying the full purchase price.
Reduce waste: Make better use of existing resources and help keep unnecessary items out of landfill.
Save space: No more cupboards overflowing with tools you hardly use.
Try something new: Explore new projects without investing in lots of expensive equipment.
Support your community: Be part of a growing movement that makes sharing, repairing and reusing part of everyday life.
At Restocked, we're passionate about showing that practical, sustainable living doesn't have to be expensive or complicated.
Sometimes, it can be as simple as borrowing a drill.
Library of Things Memberships: From Just £20 a Year
We've created three annual membership options to help make borrowing more accessible:
Concession Membership: £20 per year
Standard Membership: £40 per year
Supporter Membership: £60 per year
Membership gives you access to our lending library, subject to borrowing limits, as well as free places on our practical workshops.
Our Supporter Membership is also a great option for anyone who wants to help us continue making tools, equipment and practical skills accessible within the Stockport community.
And if you're not ready to become a member just yet, there's another way to get involved!
Learn Something New: Practical DIY and Repair Workshops in Stockport
Have you ever wanted to tackle a DIY job yourself but weren't sure where to start?
Maybe you've got a piece of furniture that needs some attention, a wall that's crying out for a shelf, or a project you've been putting off because you don't have the confidence to give it a go.
Our Library of Things workshops are designed to help you learn useful, practical skills in a friendly and supportive environment.
You don't need any previous experience, and you don't need to be a Library of Things member to take part.
Workshops are free for members, while non-members can attend for just £20 per workshop.
What Can You Learn?
Our programme includes a variety of hands-on sessions covering DIY, home maintenance, repair and creative reuse.
Painting and Finishing
Discover techniques for preparing surfaces, applying finishes and giving furniture or household items a fresh new look.
Basic Electrics
Build your understanding of basic electrical principles, household maintenance and safe working practices.
Fixing to the Wall
Learn about different wall types, suitable fixings and how to approach those everyday jobs around the home with more confidence.
Introduction to Upholstery
Explore the basics of upholstery and discover how fabric and simple techniques can help breathe new life into tired furniture.
Furniture Restoration and Repair
Learn practical approaches to repairing, restoring and caring for furniture, helping useful pieces stay in use for longer.
Our workshops aren't about becoming an expert overnight. They're about gaining the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to have a go.
And who knows? You might discover a new hobby along the way.
Why Borrowing, Repairing and Reusing Matters
At Restocked CIC, reducing waste is at the heart of what we do.
Through our work tackling furniture poverty, restoring donated furniture and supporting our local community, we see just how much value can be found in things that might otherwise be thrown away.
Our Library of Things takes that same philosophy a step further.
By sharing equipment rather than buying individually, we can make better use of the resources we already have. By learning how to repair and maintain our belongings, we can help them last longer.
And by making these skills more accessible, we can empower more people to take on projects themselves.
It's better for our pockets, better for our community and better for the planet.
Come and Discover Stockport's Library of Things
Whether you're a DIY beginner, a creative maker, a keen upcycler or simply someone who'd rather borrow than buy, we'd love to welcome you.
You can find us at:
Restocked CIC
Ground Floor, GRIT STUDIOS
Kingston House
Stockport, SK3 0EA
Explore our membership options, discover the equipment available to borrow and find out more about our upcoming practical workshops.
Ready to borrow more, waste less and learn something new?
Explore Library of Things Memberships
Small changes, shared resources and practical skills can make a big difference.
