Sustainable clothing library expands to new venue

A project that allows people to borrow outfits in the same way they would borrow a library book is expanding.

With Love From is a sustainable clothing initiative that uses donated clothes to create a shared wardrobe in Shropshire libraries.

People have been able to to choose occasionwear for free and return it after their event at Oswestry Library since the end of 2024, and the project has now opened at Shrewsbury Library.

Lizzie Dibble runs the scheme, and said like a library, the scheme is built on trust: "We have faith in other people and it all works out. I think it drives respect for clothing and hopefully encourages people to treasure the items a bit more."

She added that she had seen how the shared wardrobe could "really lift people's spirits".

"There's sequins, bright colours, we've got festive items, menswear, childrenswear and it's predominately womenswear. In all shapes and sizes, fabrics and textures.

"It's joyful, if you're feeling a bit tired or a bit down, coming in and just browsing, it does give you that lift," Dibble said.

The manager of Shrewsbury Library, Katherine Berry, added that the project had been really well received in its new location.

"I've heard a lot of 'what a great idea' because so many people are going through the cost of living, or they're concerned about environmental factors.

"If you want a dress but you're really only going to wear it once, [it] just means you're keeping sustainability going and sharing these beautiful items", Berry said.

"There's all sorts of occasions, weddings, Christmas, special occasions, it's great that the clothes can be loved again."

The project has also collaborated with Shrewsbury's and Oswestry's Repair Cafes to offer clothing care sessions where tired and damaged items are repaired.

Dibble said the items that cannot be fixed are kept and used in clothing workshops where the material is used to create new items.

"It's all about keeping things in circulation for a little bit longer," she added.

Follow BBC Shropshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.