Imagine borrowing an outfit like you would a book! The library is no longer just a space for printed pages; it’s becoming a true laboratory of ideas for a more sustainable future, as discussed in the latest Trendsletter: The Future of Libraries. Today, we’re tackling a topic that is particularly close to my heart, combining two of my passions: libraries and fashion. 🌱👖

This experimentation resonates with our times, where ecological urgency prompts us to reassess our needs and material attachments, opening the door to new forms of sharing and exchange.

Clothes from the Pub. Librairies

​
👕 In Helsinki, libraries lend second-hand clothes painted by artist Onerva Luoma to raise awareness about consumption and climate change, promoting a view of clothing as shared rather than owned.

​
👰‍♀️ A librarian in the U.S. transformed a collection of wedding dresses into borrowable items for brides, illustrating the positive impact of sharing rare or expensive items and promoting a circular economy in event fashion.

​
👗 Dover Public Library in New Hampshire launched a pilot program allowing community members to borrow clothing for special occasion for two weeks.

What does it change?

The examples above show that most clothing loans focus on sporadic or temporary needs rather than everyday wear. This raises questions about the future of the second-hand clothing market and rental services if all libraries begin offering garments for occasional use.

Additionally, this practice challenges the concept of ownership. By providing borrowable clothing, libraries broaden the conversation around property and encourage a shift in how we perceive ownership in the context of clothing.

What Does This Change?​
​

I can't help but think about the logistics of borrowing clothing (and other items) from the library and how the online catalog needs to be reimagined, as it is traditionally centered on books. It is often uninviting and, in some cases, lacks sufficient descriptions to convince users to reserve and borrow rather than buy the item. Will we see a drop-off box for returns outside of opening hours? Currently, most object libraries (not just books) only accept in-person returns during operating hours.

Of course, more questions are raised than answered regarding this emerging practice. In the course of writing my book Rien de neuf, I collected several inspiring initiatives (examples of things being done differently) and compiled them on Miro.

​

​

In case you missed it

I was at the opening panel of the Quebec Waste Reduction Week. I specifically discussed the role of libraries in the future.

🎥 Panel de discussion: Consommer moins, mais mieux! (French only)

​Complete list of media comments​

​

See you soon,

​LINKEDIN | INSTAGRAM​