Lizzie Dibble is hopeful that her clothes lending project could help bring in new footfall to the UK’s beleaguered libraries, as well as introducing readers to the romance of secondhand fashion.

“There’s something about the library,” she said.“It’s not an intimidating boutique or the busy, noisy high street. I’ve had people tell me that sometimes they’ll go into a shop and even the music makes them feel like they don’t fit in there. We want this to feel welcoming and accessible to everybody.”

Dibble created With Love From … in 2023, initially to swap clothes with friends and family. Interest grew along with donations, and the project soon spawned sewing workshops, talks about sustainability and a repair service.

She recently registered as a Community Interest Company and moved the shared wardrobe to its new home at Oswestry library, run by volunteers and backed by a crowdfunding campaign and a grant from Shropshire council.

There are currently around 400 pieces in the growing collection, which can be checked out via a barcode for three weeks at a time and renewed just like a book. Every garment is labelled with the name of the person who donated it. “It adds to the idea that preloved clothing is more special, because it has that history,” said Dibble.

Recent years have seen a boom in rental apps, which offer fashion-lovers a way to make money from the trophy items in their wardrobe. But the library offers a very different borrowing experience – tactile, inclusive and free. While ‘libraries of things’ are becoming more common across the country, With Love From … is thought to be the first to add clothes to the existing library system.

“It appeals to me because I can browse without worrying about the price tag, and I find items that I wouldn’t necessarily be drawn to in a shop or an app,” said Bhavini Mirza, a trainee textiles teacher. “It’s about seeing and feeling the clothes in person.”

“The shared wardrobe idea gives people a greater respect for clothing,” agrees Dibble. Although there are no fines for accidental wine spills. “We’re relaxed about it.” Nothing goes to landfill – tired or damaged clothes are saved for workshops, where design students can turn them into something new.

It adds to the idea that preloved clothing is more special, because it has that history

The current offering is mostly womenswear, but Dibble is keen to cater for more demographics, such as workwear for those on low incomes. There’s already a teen-friendly edit on the cards for prom season, and a rail of dressing-up clothes was lined up ready for World Book Day in March.

She’s dreaming big, with plans to roll out a network of shared wardrobes across Shropshire libraries this year – then beyond. “If we can make it work in Oswestry there is no reason it can’t work in other communities,” she says.

For now though, Dibble is just happy to be keeping so many glad rags in circulation. “When you see someone pick up something you used to own and say: ‘I love this!’, I get goosebumps. It’s a really nice feeling.”

Photography: Sarah White / With Love From …