A Cumbrian council has donated surplus library furniture to a local social enterprise.
Cumberland Council passed the furniture from Carlisle Library to The Rebuild Site CIC, a Carlisle-based social enterprise dedicated to reclaiming and reusing surplus materials.
The Rebuild Site CIC has used the shelving and storage units to improve storage in garages, sheds and allotments, as well as to transform tool storage, tile displays and bathroom supply areas within its own premises.
A local vehicle workshop bought 30 units to help reorganise its workspace, while furniture has also been provided to Afrikana CIC to furnish its new community hub, the Afrikana Centre.
Shelving was also donated to Eden Valley Hospice to help set up a new charity shop in Carlisle, opening later this year, to raise funds for its adult care services and Jigsaw, Cumbria’s only children’s hospice.
Alison Graham, assistant director for customer solutions at Cumberland Council, said: “We’re pleased that the furniture no longer required has been able to benefit so many worthwhile causes.
“Seeing these items reused by community organisations, charities and local businesses demonstrates the value of working together to make the most of our resources.
“It’s a great example of sustainability in action and of how materials that might otherwise be discarded can continue to support people and communities for many years to come.”
Emma Porter, founder of The Rebuild Site CIC, said: “It’s fantastic to see Cumberland Council choosing reuse as part of this refurbishment.
“Too often, perfectly good furniture is treated as waste simply because it’s no longer needed in one place.
“By working together, we’ve been able to keep these items in use, supporting local charities, community organisations and businesses while reducing waste.
“We hope this encourages more organisations to think differently about surplus materials and the value they can continue to provide.”
