“In a gift economy, wealth is understood as having enough to share, and the practice for dealing with abundance is to give it away. In fact, status is determined not by how much one accumulates, but by how much one gives away. The currency in a gift economy is relationship, which is expressed as gratitude, as interdependence and the ongoing cycles of reciprocity. A gift economy nurtures the community bonds that enhance mutual well-being; the economic unit is “we” rather than “I,” as all flourishing is mutual.” ― Robin Wall Kimmerer, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World
The gift economy operates alongside the market economy. The gift economy can be as simple as the exchange of gifts between friends or as complex as a regional public library. Explore the links below to learn about examples of the gift economy in Lethbridge.
Public Libraries
The Lethbridge Public Library offers books, DVDs, magazines and more. For more specialized items, check out the University of Lethbridge or Lethbridge Polytechnic libraries or the libraries at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery or Galt Museum. The Lethbridge Polytechnic Student’s Association also offers a textbook library.
Free Little Libraries
Take a book, leave a book. There are dozens of free little libraries around Lethbridge, find the one closest to you on this online map.
Library of Things
The Lethbridge Public Library offers more than books. More than 1000 different items from toys to games to equipment can be borrowed from the Library of Things.
Lending Libraries
Many other organizations lend equipment. Borrow adventure gear from the Helen Schuler Nature Centre, sports equipment from the Lethbridge Sports Council, roller skates from Roller Skate Lethbridge or medical equipment from the Canadian Red Cross.
Community Play Boxes
Located in Festival Square, Legacy Park, Nicholas Sheran Park, William Pearce Park, and Caledonia Playground, community play boxes provide free play and sports equipment for everyone to use.
Seed Swaps
Whether it’s between friends or as part of a group or event, seed swaps are a great way to start a garden or try something new. Check out Seedy Saturday, the Lethbridge Seed Swap group or visit the Lethbridge Public Library’s Seed Library.
Public Fruit Trees
Located in parks and boulevards around Lethbridge, public fruit trees are available for residents to harvest. View the online map to find trees near you.
Reuse Rendezvous
Offered twice a year, Reuse Rendezvous provides an opportunity for residents to pass on gently used items to those who want them.
Food banks
Food banks such as the Lethbridge Food Bank and the Interfaith Food Bank of Lethbridge offer a way to share food with those who need it. On campus, University of Lethbridge Student’s Union and the Lethbridge Polytechnic Student Association offer food banks for students.
Free concerts
From buskers to concert series, free music such as Upside Downtown animates our public spaces.
Plant a tree
Planting trees offers benefits such as shade, wildlife habitat, and storm water absorption for current and future Lethbridge residents.
Public Art
Public art animates our city and offers an opportunity to share stories and support local artists. Use this online map to find public art near you.
Geocaching
Geocaching is like a real-life treasure hunt where geocachers hide secret puzzles for others to find.
Benches
Providing a place to sit, whether it’s on private property on in a public park, is a gift for everyone who uses that space.
Guerilla Art
While we don’t encourage people to leave non-biodegradable items in parks and public spaces, chalk art and other types of guerilla art are guaranteed to make people smile.
Sharing with friends
A key part of the gift economy is sharing with friends and neighbours. Too many zucchini? Hand-me down clothes? Kid’s toys that need a new home? Pass them along to someone who can use them.