FAQ
Introduction to La Manivelle
La Manivelle is Geneva’s object library. With over 4,500 items, it lets you borrow tools for DIY projects, kitchen supplies, party supplies, sports equipment, and much more.
Even though, technically, it’s the same thing, we prefer to say “borrow” rather than “rent.” Why? Because “rent” sounds a bit too much like business and profit, and that’s not our style at all!
We’re not here to make a profit, so with us, you can simply borrow.
La Manivelle helps you avoid buying items you rarely use, saving you money, space, and time, while also letting you try out new activities.
La Manivelle is a nonprofit cooperative that lends out tools and equipment—much like a library, but with objects instead of books. The cooperative is governed by a board of directors and its members at the annual general meeting.
La Manivelle was founded in 2018 to promote the sharing of items and conserve natural resources.
2018: Launch at La Jonction. 2021: Move to MACO and establishment of drop-off points. 2023: Opening of a new branch in Thônex. 2024: Opening of three branches in Lancy, Meyrin, and Pâquis.
Mostly through grants. The support passes are a big help—you should consider getting one too!
We also rely on employee shares and donations.
Passes and prices
You have several options:
Our service does not operate like a standard half-day or full-day rental. With us, items are loaned out for a period of one week
A 1-Year Unlimited Rental Pass allows you to borrow as many items as you want, with no limits, all year round, at no extra cost. Otherwise, a limit on the number of items you can have at once is applied in the cart.
It’s also possible to pay per item, which is convenient if you just need a screwdriver.
At La Manivelle, we don’t call it a subscription—we call it a Pass! Think of a multi-day pass for an amusement park or a ski resort… it’s the same idea!
A Pass lets you borrow anything you want from the more than 4,500 items in our catalog for the duration of the Pass: 1 year.
An organization partners with La Manivelle to give its members access to a one-year borrowing pass.
If you belong to an organization, contact us to discuss pricing and your benefits!
Once you’ve created your account here, you can choose a Pass and pay for it online, or come to one of our locations to pay in person if you’d prefer to pay in cash.
Yes, of course!
Are you part of an organization? Let’s talk about it!
Yes, discounted rates are available. The complete list of rates can be found here.
Partnerships and Volunteering
If you have skills to share or would like to help out during our office hours, please contact us at info@manivelle.ch.
Email communication@manivelle.ch to discuss the details of the partnership.
Create an account here, then send an email to info@manivelle.ch with proof of your affiliation with the organization, and we will then activate your Pass.
Location and Directions
La Manivelle has 5 branches:
Charmilles, Lancy, Meyrin, Pâquis, Thônex.
Find the addresses and hours here.
In-store pickup: advice and in-person assistance.
Pickup point: free, but no advice provided.
Delivery: paid service; free in Onex—thanks, Onex!
Opening hours and addresses are available on our website under the “Find Us” section.
Workshops and Repairs
We are planning workshops on DIY, cooking, gardening, and much more, led by volunteers.
Yes, our repair shop organizes workshops and Repair Cafés. Follow us on social media to stay updated on the dates.
Yes, our repair technician Yannick also provides repair services for individuals. Contact him for a free estimate!
–> Repair Shop
Items must be dropped off at the Charmilles branch (MACO). First, send a photo to our repair technician to get their opinion.
The estimate is 20 francs, and the cost depends on the work required.
Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
The terms and conditions are available in the policy and rules on the website.
Yes, they are used exclusively in connection with La Manivelle.
Reservations and Checkouts
Just create an account and choose a Pass. Then you can borrow as many items as you want.
There are over 4,500 tools and items of all kinds, so there’s plenty to choose from!
Tools for carpentry, metalworking, gardening, and more. Items and accessories for camping, sports, cooking, parties, events, music, travel, swimming, and more.
By default, items are checked out for one week. You can renew your loan online if no one else has reserved the item(s) you wish to renew.
Not generally, except for certain specific items. This will be indicated in the catalog.
It’s 1 CHF for each day late, per item.
Yes, we sell supplies (e.g., sanding belts, foam pads), which should be specified at the time of booking.
You can manage your reservations directly through your MyTurn account.
The replacement cost is listed in the catalog. Otherwise, you can bring us a replacement item.
Contact us immediately to report the incident.
Check our online catalog to see what’s in stock. You can search by tool name or keywords, or select a category from the left side of the catalog.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, contact us at info@manivelle.ch.