Books and Knowledge

The Sharehood is not only about sharing physical things such as ladders, sewing machines and delicious cakes. It's also about sharing skills and knowledge.

There is a tremendous depth of knowledge behind the doors of our streets. You need to know how to pickle beetroot? There's a good chance the woman at number 16 can teach you how. Want to weld? Ask the good people at number 32.

Some of these practical skills have been in decline as it has become easier and more affordable to purchase goods and services of any kind at any time – but it may not always be this way. Thankfully, many people, especially the elders of our communities, retain this know-how. By learning from one another we build the strength and resilience of our neighbourhoods.

And it's not just those time-honoured household skills that we can share. Everybody has knowledge that they can pass on to those around them, whether it's computer trouble-shooting, languages, music or gymnastics. Post the skills you have to offer and the things you'd like to learn, and follow up with your neighbours by running or attending skillshare workshops.

Community Book Library
The Sharehood now has a decentralised book library feature, where you can view all of the books on offer to loan in your neighbourhood. It's easy to add books by typing in their barcode number into the Add items page. The system then grabs the books details and a picture.

Even though it is easy to add books to the Sharehood website, it is doubtful that many people will put up their whole collection. The point is to share the books you really want to share, the ones that have taught you the most or the ones that you loved the most.