Hedge trimmers, carpet cleaners and tents could be among the items available to borrow from Godalming's planned new library - the Library of Things.

The library is intended to reduce waste by enabling people to borrow items they may need, rather than buying them and then only using them once. The organisers say they hope that the eclectic range of items on offer will encourage visitors to try their hand at mastering skills they might not otherwise have thought of - by borrowing a sewing machine, for example.

There are also plans to set up a Repair Cafe where items can be fixed and reused by volunteers, rather than being sent to landfill.

The concept of the Library of Things is fairly new, but they are already operating in several libraries, including Guildford and Crystal Palace.

A workshop at the recent Taking Stock climate change online event heard the backdrop to the idea and considered suggestions for items that could be held in stock.

The Library of Things will be housed within Godalming's existing library, and Debra Lee, head of customer care for Surrey's western libraries, told the workshop that staff had already identifed a space in which the shelves or lockers could be set up.

Godalming town councillor Jo Purvis said the motto of the library was 'Borrow Don't Buy', and described it as "a place where you can borrow useful things for your home projects and adventures."

She told Godalming Nub News: "People live increasingly in small spaces. Many people rent without access to a loft or shed or much built in storage. Even those who can afford to buy items for perhaps just a single use, will dispose of them simply due to lack of storage space, even though they understand that waste generation is harmful. Eighty per cent of household items are used less than once a month.

"Many of us want to reduce our high consumption and waste of resources, and slow down our throwaway culture.

"A Library of Things allows people to borrow safely maintained physical items from a local site, reducing travel, creating equitable access to quality tools and equipment. We want the community to be involved in and enjoy using the Library of Things and potential Repair Shop activity.

The Taking Stock event had been useful in terms of finding out people's ideas on what could be stocked in the Library, she said.

"An air dryer for food and other occasional kitchen items like extra large dishes or pans, through various tools, to a travel cot, a tent, carpet cleaner, car roof box, an apple press, toys, games, craft equipment and hedge trimmers," were among the suggestions, she said, as well as setting up a partnership with Godalming Nappy Library.

"Some would be purchased new and others donated or might be sought out secondhand, it will depend on the item," she said. "Perhaps we should put them to a popular vote when there is a list of items that could work. It will be better to start small with wanted items and increase with other carefully chosen things over time."

There is still a way to go before the library opens, with fundraising needed to pay for the items and the logistical work involved in setting it up.

Godalming Library members will be updated on the project as it progresses, and will be offered the chance to volunteer to help it get off the ground. Join the library here for regular email updates.

For further updates, follow Godalming LIbrary on Facebook here and on Twitter here.