Libraries are the very essence of reuse. For hundreds of years libraries have shared books and information to people.

We all know that resources are now very limited on our planet. As well as borrowing books rather than buying them, we can of course repair many of the things we own and restore them to a good condition rather than throw them away. If you don't know how, there are a huge range of books to help you out. Your library can help you repair your furniture, your clothes, your books, and even your car. 

Repurposing (in other words, adapting something for a different purpose than it was first used for) is another way to avoid waste. Upcycling is also  another term for readapting or repurposing materials in a creative way, thereby expanding its lifespan. If you need inspiration or want some new ideas, head to your library to borrow some of our wonderful books on these subjects. Now you can upcycle that old tshirt into a fashion statement, repair that old valve radio, or repurpose old materials into useful objects. 

Here are a few suggested books to get you started:

Creating the Vintage Look: 35 Ways To Upcycle for a Stylish Home. Ellie Laycock

Gardening with Junk: Simple and Innovative Planting Ideas Using Recycled Pots and Containers. Adam Caplin

Make Thrift Mend: Stitch, Patch, Darn, Plant-Dye and Love your Wardrobe. Katrina Rodabaugh

Mend!: A Refashioning Manual and Manifesto. Kate Sekules

Rag Rugs, Pillows and More: Over 30 Ways to Upcycle Fabric for the Home. Elspeth Jackson

The Refashion Handbook: Refit, Redesign, Remake for Every Body. Beth Huntington

The Repurposed Library: 33 Craft Projects that Give Old Books New Life. Lisa Occhipinti

Upcycle!: Turn Everyday Objects into Home Decor: 50 Easy DIY Projects. Sonia Lucano

Upcycling Outdoors. Max McMurdo

Vintage Valve Radios: A Practical Guide for Restorers. Tony Thompson

Wood Plank Projects: 30 Simple and Creative DIY Decor Ideas for your Home and Garden. Carrie Spalding

Wooden Furniture Hacks: Over 20 Step-by-Step Projects for a Unique and Stylish Home. Hester Van Overbeek