Manchester Museum’s Human Natures celebrates community sustainability with Manchester Library of Things

Throughout summer 2026, Manchester Museum is shining a light on community-led sustainability as part of its acclaimed Human Natures exhibition, with Manchester Library of Things taking centre stage as the latest featured organisation in the Conversation Space during July and August.

Running until Sun 1 November, Human Natures explores humanity’s complex relationship with the natural world, examining how everyday choices around food, fashion and consumption have shaped the environment across history while highlighting practical ways communities are responding to the urgent challenges of waste, overconsumption and climate change.

Alongside the immersive installations, objects and displays, the exhibition’s Conversation Space showcases organisations working to address pressing ecological issues through grassroots action. Manchester Library of Things occupies the space until September, introducing visitors to an alternative model of ownership that encourages people to borrow, share and repair everyday items instead of buying new ones.

Based in Levenshulme, the volunteer-run initiative allows members to borrow everything from DIY tools to household equipment, helping reduce unnecessary consumption while making useful items more affordable and accessible. As well as cutting waste, the project also aims to strengthen local communities by encouraging neighbours to share resources and skills.

To coincide with its residency, Manchester Library of Things will host two free drop-in events inside the exhibition. On Sat 8 Aug, visitors can meet the team behind the project, discover how the library operates, suggest new items for its growing collection and explore practical ways to make everyday belongings last longer.

On Sat 22 Aug, the organisation will return with a skilled repair specialist demonstrating how to fix common faults in household appliances, with live demonstrations and the chance to learn more about borrowing, sharing and repairing as vital methods of reducing waste while saving money.

Manchester Library of Things follows Manchester Urban Diggers, which occupied the Conversation Space during the exhibition’s opening months, while London Mining Network will take over the residency from September until Human Natures closes.

Check out the video below for more on Manchester Library of Things:

Find out more and plan your visit to Human Natures HERE.