Library Types

NeighborGoods supports many different kinds of libraries. Each one has its own rules around ownership, returns, and how pickup and drop-off are coordinated. Here's an overview of the types we support today.

Simple Library

A traditional library with one or more physical locations where goods are borrowed and returned. The library itself legally owns the goods.

How it works

  1. A borrower visits a physical location.
  2. A staff member (or self-checkout system) creates a Loan with a due date.
  3. When the item is returned in person, staff marks the loan complete.

Examples

  • A neighborhood tool library with a storefront and opening hours.
  • A public seed library run out of a community center.
Simple LibraryLibrary(owns goods)BorrowerborrowreturnStaff
Simple Library — flow of goods between participants

Distributed Library

A collection of users who agree to lend and borrow goods directly from one another. The library itself does not own the goods.

How it works

  1. Members list goods they own and are willing to lend.
  2. Borrower and lender coordinate pickup and return directly.
  3. Both parties confirm the return — and optionally provide location or photo evidence — to discourage fraud.
  4. Smart lockers can be used to automate handoff without meeting in person.

Examples

  • Neighbors lending power tools to each other through the app.
  • A book-swap network across a small town, using lockers for drop-off.
Distributed LibraryUser AUser BUser CUser Dplatformpeers lend & borrow directly
Distributed Library — flow of goods between participants

Free Store

Similar to a Simple Library, but items have no return date — they are given away. Users can both donate and take goods.

How it works

  1. Donors drop items off at the physical location.
  2. Takers pick up whatever they need, with no obligation to return.
  3. NFC or RFID tags can keep inventory accurate automatically.

Examples

  • A "Really Really Free Market" run permanently out of a storefront.
  • A community fridge or pantry with tagged items.
Free StoreFree StoreNFC / RFID inventoryDonordonatesTakertakesno return required
Free Store — flow of goods between participants

BuyNothing Groups

Existing BuyNothing groups on social media, surfaced into NeighborGoods through adapters. Goods are gifted without a return date, and members coordinate pickup directly.

How it works

  1. An adapter connects to the social platform (e.g. a Facebook group).
  2. Posts offering items appear in NeighborGoods as available goods.
  3. Members coordinate pickup directly, similar to a Distributed Library.

Examples

  • A local Facebook BuyNothing group made browsable inside NeighborGoods.
  • A Discord gifting channel surfaced as a library feed.
BuyNothing GroupSocial Group(Facebook, etc.)membermembermembermemberAdapter
BuyNothing Groups — flow of goods between participants
← Back to FAQ