Gwyrddio Penarth Greening, a local charity promoting eco-friendly living, is searching for a central location to establish a community sustainability centre.
The new hub aims to house Benthyg Penarth, the popular library of things, and other similar initiatives in a shared space.
Benthyg Penarth, operational since 2021, allows residents to borrow household items, ranging from tools to costumes, at a low cost.
Adhering to the principles of sustainability and community resilience, the project has successfully reduced landfill waste and supported a circular economy, but now seeks a more permanent and accessible base.
Having relocated more than once, the library currently operates from The Kymin on Beach Road.
However, the charity believes that a town centre or nearby location would be more advantageous for expanding and enhancing their services.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “Imagine a hub where you could drop in to borrow a cordless drill, get your toaster fixed and maybe attend a repair workshop, get advice on reducing your home’s energy use, or simply connect with others who share a passion for living more lightly on the planet.
“Such a space could provide somewhere for people to meet to share skills, knowledge and time to support each other—and to help those hit hardest by the ongoing cost of living crisis.”
The envisioned community resource centre would offer a public-facing community space and storage, accessible for various like-minded groups and activities.
The charity is inviting discussions with landlords, businesses, community organisations, or the council about any suitable places available on a short-term, long-term, or partnership basis.
The project, which is one of the most successful ‘libraries of things’ in Wales, has been running for five years.
GPG strongly believes a permanent home for the library of things will facilitate further growth and enhance community engagement, supporting those most affected by the rising cost of living.
Anyone willing to offer help or with knowledge of a suitable location, is asked to contact GPG on their website.
