The Station North Tool Library is set to host its 12th biannual Fix-It Fair next month, with a mission to minimize landfill waste by connecting attendees with skilled volunteers who can help repair a variety of household items.
This nonprofit organization operates similarly to a traditional library, allowing members to borrow tools instead of books. Additionally, they provide a wide range of classes and workspaces where individuals can learn new skills and hone their craftsmanship.
The upcoming Fix-It Fair is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 417 E. Oliver St. During this event, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with volunteers who can assist in restoring items that aren’t functioning properly.
According to Gagan Singh, the community engagement manager at the Station North Tool Library, “The whole idea is that you can bring your broken items, and our team of volunteer fixers will work with you to help you repair them.”
Founded in 2017, the fair started as an annual event but has since evolved to occur twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall.
Items such as textiles, electronics, bicycles, musical instruments, and even small pieces of furniture are welcome at the fair. However, participants are limited to bringing no more than two items each.
This event offers a hands-on experience where attendees can receive free repair advice and use common materials while working alongside volunteers. For more complex repairs, volunteers might refer individuals to local repair services.
Singh noted that when items are checked in, their weight is recorded to provide a tangible sense of the waste prevented from entering landfills.
Joan Freedman, a dedicated member of the Tool Library and a volunteer craft room monitor, focuses on sewing and mending at the Fix-It Fair. Having participated for the past four years, she expressed how rewarding it has been to teach community members valuable skills.
“It’s essential to get people engaged, especially those who may have never used a seam ripper or sewn on a button before. While they’re working with me, they can successfully learn that skill, which is less daunting than they might have anticipated,” Freedman shared.
One of her favorite aspects of the event is the conversations that naturally unfold as she assists individuals.
“My favorite part, actually, is the one-on-one conversations I have while repairing clothing with attendees. Often, we end up discussing their lives, the stories behind the cherished items I’m fixing for them, or the journeys they’ve taken with their belongings,” Freedman said.
For those interested in signing up or gaining further information about the event or the organization, click here.
