The cooperative
La Manivelle, a nonprofit cooperative founded in 2018, is the first object library in French-speaking Switzerland. It was born out of a desire to reduce consumption—and thus the production—of goods. This approach helps reduce the extraction of the planet’s limited natural resources and the generation of waste.
La Manivelle is a team made up of a diverse group of people who share common values!
- Our Values
- Mission and Vision
- History
Our Values
La Manivelle is, above all, a human adventure!
La Manivelle aims to be a welcoming, friendly, respectful, and inclusive community space, free from any form of discrimination. The project seeks to foster social connections and rekindle a sense of solidarity and mutual support.
Proximity
La Manivelle creates spaces in neighborhoods where everyone is welcome to meet and use the object-lending service.
Sustainability
By promoting resource sharing through the exchange of everyday items, La Manivelle helps reduce the use of raw materials, thereby curbing industrial overproduction and reducing waste generation.
Solidarity
The La Manivelle project makes equipment—which can sometimes be expensive—easily accessible to everyone. This is achieved through sharing and affordable prices, as well as opportunities to get involved in the project through volunteering or training and job placement programs.
Transparency
La Manivelle is a nonprofit cooperative dedicated to promoting idealistic goals. We share our financial records and projects with our members and users, and we encourage stakeholder involvement. The project aims to serve as a model and supports any group that wishes to replicate an object library in their city by providing documentation free of charge.
Our Mission and Vision
Mission
La Manivelle promotes a simple and sustainable lifestyle with the following mission:
- To reduce the consumption of goods and resources, thereby helping to reduce the use of limited natural resources and the production of waste.
- Promote a new way of consuming and operating, and foster a global shift in behavior.
- Network and connect various solutions for a social, ecological, and solidarity-based economy.
- Be a welcoming, respectful, and inclusive space free from any form of discrimination.
- Foster social connections and restore a sense of solidarity and mutual aid.
Vision
- People inspired by our model, changes in the economy and society (less overconsumption)
- People who have been trained and have regained confidence, improved employability, and/or achieved social integration.
- Sense of belonging to a community, social cohesion
- Implementation of projects without limitations on access to equipment, whether due to financial or geographical barriers
History
Since 2018, the La Manivelle team has been working tirelessly to fulfill its core mission. We are proud to now offer an effective and sustainable alternative to buying new items. Here are some highlights: photos documenting our growth over the first few years. We look forward to continuing this journey with you!
May: Survey of 100 people, concept development
July 25: Establishment of the cooperative
September 25: First rental on the website! The test confirmed that the site was finally operational for rentals. The first items ever rented were a 3-person tent, a half-wheel raclette oven, and snowshoes.
October: Keys handed over for the space at the velodrome; the adventure begins in a dedicated space—a true library of items!
December: CHF 20,660 raised thanks to SIG-Impact, which demonstrated the enthusiasm for this project and motivated us to keep pushing forward!
January: Official opening! Borrowers were invited to come and explore the items in the catalog on the shelves. The space at the Vélodrome de la Jonction aligned with the project’s values, making it an ideal start.
The opening was made possible thanks to crowdfunding, support from the City of Geneva through the G’innove fund, and the cantonal sustainable development grant.
We’ve moved to the MAnufacture COllaborative (MACO), a facility in Les Charmilles that houses five different organizations. You can view the updated list of organizations here. This marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration that has allowed us to connect with amazing people in the circular economy and become part of a larger project, with a vision for the future that’s in harmony with our planet.
April 28: First repair workshop at Café des Possibles
Our partnership with Yannick, our repair specialist, has led to many Repair Café workshops. For more information, contact him!
October: SIG-Impact crowdfunding campaign to open branch locations: additional libraries throughout Geneva to bring us closer to the community and make our services more accessible.
Nov. 8: Opening of our first branch in Thônex!
Dec. 27: La Manivelle’s 5th anniversary celebration—a truly moving moment where we celebrated at the MACO by sharing a delicious raclette
20.02: Opening of the Pâquis branch—it’s a pleasure to be in this lively neighborhood
27.08: Opening of the Meyrin branch—a fresh start next to a great florist!
10.09: Opening of the Lancy branch—a project strongly supported by Lancy, whom we thank!
24.09: 50,000 loans processed! An incredible number—thank you so much!