In Tai Kok Tsui district, Jie Yeah's small shop is like a library, though it has no books to borrow.
Instead, its shelves hold a range of useful items, such as board games, electric drills and sewing machines.
Jie Yeah – meaning "lend and borrow" – is a new project. Karen Law works there. She says it was inspired by the Library of Things, a project in Britain where people can borrow items they need.
"Why buy when you can borrow?" she says. "We want to see if we can roll together all the seldom-used things in one place and bring them back to the community, to help more people."
When Jie Yeah first opened, there were only a few items brought by the staff.
"We did not buy anything to fill the shelves, because we wanted Hongkongers to donate and share their unwanted items," Karen says.
The team made a "wish list" of about 50 things they needed, and posted it on Facebook. In three months, they had received almost every item.
The shop now has more than 900 members. They donate and borrow over 200 items, ranging from toys to electronics and kitchen appliances. Karen says the shop will welcome anything as long as it is clean and it works.
Unexpected things happen
Photo: SCMP
"Every day, when I open the door of Jie Yeah, there are so many unexpected people and things that come to us," Karen says. What amazes her most is how the place can connect strangers.
Musical instruments are a common donation. One time, an old man came to borrow a guitar to fulfil a dream he had since he was young.
One of the shop's most valuable items is a digital camera set, from an elderly person who could no longer carry the heavy equipment. Another old man borrowed the set to learn photography in his free time.
Once, the staff received an old type of sewing machine, and they were clueless about how to use it. Suddenly, an old lady, who was passing by the shop, came in to help. She even left her phone number so they could reach her if they needed more help with sewing.
Exchanging our knowledge
"We hope to build a close community by enabling people to share their knowledge and ideas to help each other," Karen says.
To help the exchange of knowledge, Jie Yeah has about 50 volunteers. They lead different activities and workshops, such as sewing classes, appliance repair lessons, and handicrafting workshops.
"Some of the volunteers come from Hong Kong Island or Tung Chung. Even though they are not part of the neighbourhood, they join us because they agree with our vision," Karen says.
Before Halloween, Jie Yeah is calling for people to donate festive decorations. They are also working with other shops in the district to hold a trick-or-treat event for children. The shop hopes this will help build stronger ties between residents and businesses.
"Working at Jie Yeah sometimes makes me feel nostalgic for the good old days when people would freely knock on the next door to borrow things," Karen says.
"We hope that people will still help each other out. As long as you are willing to share, everyone's home can be a place for people to jie yeah."
Fun facts
A librarian works in a library. Librarians help people find books and information. But Karen's job at Jie Yeah is different. She helps people to share their knowledge and learn new skills.
Quick questions
- What is one of the shop's most valuable items?
- How did an old lady once help the shop?
- What event will happen there soon?
