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The ‘Bibliothèque d’objets’ (Bom) initiative, a pioneering project that encourages residents to borrow items instead of purchasing them, is set for a major expansion across the Seine-Saint-Denis region. Following its successful launch in Montreuil in 2022, the structure aims to establish a presence in all nine cities within the Est Ensemble territory by 2030.
Promoting a culture of sharing
Born out of the need to reduce unnecessary consumption, the Bom initiative allows citizens to access a wide range of tools and household items that are typically used only occasionally. According to data from ADEME, the French Agency for Ecological Transition, a standard power drill is used for only 12 minutes over its entire lifespan. By providing an alternative to individual ownership, the project aims to minimize waste and reduce the environmental impact associated with the production, transport, and storage of consumer goods.
Currently, the Montreuil branch boasts 2,000 members and a catalogue of 1,300 available items. The success of this model has already led to the opening of additional branches in Romainville and Noisy-le-Sec.
Expanding to nine cities
The ambitious ‘BOM 2030’ plan targets the following nine municipalities in Seine-Saint-Denis:
- Bagnolet
- Bobigny
- Bondy
- Les Lilas
- Montreuil
- Noisy-le-Sec
- Pantin
- Le Pré-Saint-Gervais
- Romainville
By integrating these libraries into existing local hubs such as media libraries, community centers, and third-party spaces, the organization hopes to reach approximately 430,000 inhabitants. Sylvain Mustaki, founder and president of La Bom, emphasizes the goal: ‘Our objective is to make this model accessible to as many people as possible, as close to home as possible, to make it a daily reflex.’
Economic and environmental benefits
The initiative highlights several key advantages for the community, including financial savings for residents and increased accessibility to equipment. By fostering a sharing economy, the project seeks to transform local consumption habits, moving away from a ‘buy-to-own’ mentality toward a more sustainable and collaborative approach.
