Lend a book then borrow a frock: Loanable eveningwear added to shelves at Oswestry library

Library users in Oswestry can now enjoy the benefits of hiring eveningwear and outfits for the festive season and beyond, thanks to a new initiative that aims to transform the way people approach fashion.

In collaboration with the local sustainable fashion project 'With Love From…', the Shropshire Shared Wardrobe will enable local library card holders to borrow special occasion outfits just as they would borrow books.

Initially a pilot scheme, the project launched on November 25 and will run for one month. During this time, attendees are invited to donate items to the shared wardrobe and browse a 200-item loanable festive collection. 

The success of the pilot project will guide future developments, with hopes to expand the collection next year to include more items and broaden the offer to encompass children’s partywear.

'With Love From…' is managed by local volunteers committed to reducing the environmental and ethical impact of fashion. The project encourages people to slow down their shopping habits and instead repair, re-wear, share, and care for existing clothing. 

The shared wardrobe of occasionwear encourages shoppers to donate party clothing, footwear, and accessories to earn 'points', redeemable at pop-up shops or appointments.

Founder Lizzie Dibble said: "There are so many benefits to sharing our wardrobes, not only to us personally, but also to our local community and to other communities all around the world. 

"On average, it is estimated that British people throw away 72 items of clothing every year, so by sharing our wardrobes we are reducing the amount of clothing sent to landfill and providing local, sustainable clothing waste options for people in north Shropshire."

Siobhan Shaw, library operations and development manager at Oswestry Library, said: “We are so proud to be supporting this project with Lizzie, and together we believe that we can increase visibility and accessibility of sustainable fashion options for local people.

“Public libraries are fundamental to the sharing economy and as such are committed to both protecting the planet and supporting their clientele to borrow more and spend less, while working with communities to minimise financial barriers to the information, equipment, and resources they require.

“This is achieved by exciting collaborations like this one, and by supporting communities to connect and share what they have with others, whether it is their skills, their knowledge, their art, or even their unwanted clothes."