Founder Andrea Persico of Austinmer has gathered around 30 volunteers for the Make-Do initiative which would see items like gardening tools, sewing machines, jumping castles and musical instruments available to borrow.

This coming weekend Mrs Persico is holding a donation drive for goods at their new space, the rear of the old Bulli Bowling Club on the Princes Highway. They're also looking for local businesses who can help in any way.

"I see this as a project that's got unlimited potential," she said.

"I'd love to see it grow into other areas and open other branches or locations. I'd love to develop a space in Bulli which can be a community workshop and look towards the future where it's more a sustainable community space."

People will be able to sign up as a library member from June 15 and 16 for an annual fee of $80 (or $22 per quarter). Make-Do will also be taking donated memberships for Illawarra residents who may be suffering hardship.

While each library item will be catalogued, tagged and tested to ensure they are in safe, working order.

Mrs Persico said her passion project has "taken a life of its own" since she put an initial survey out several months ago.

"The overwhelming response was 'yes, we really want this to happen and we would definitely use it' and lots of people offered to volunteer," she said.

"Since then it's kind of snowballed with a lot of people jumping on board and offering their help in different ways."

For more information visit www.make-do.com.au

A "wish list" of items will be posted on their website by June 11; with an official launch expected late July.