Give Your "Brokens" New Life at March 11 Fix-it Fair
On Saturday, March 11, you’ll be glad you never pitched that broken bicycle, sickly lawn mower or slightly tattered favorite jacket. That’s because experts will help you give those “brokens” new life at a free Fix-it Fair from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Midtown Carnegie Branch upstairs meeting room.
Participants will be matched with a volunteer “fixer” for a hands-on repair. Registration is not required, but please call the library at 862-0135 to let staff know what item you’d like to bring so we have an appropriate fixer.
“A Fix-it Fair (also known as a Repair Cafe) is an innovative way to introduce people to a traditional idea – the power of thrift,” says reference librarian Aleah Weltha, who is helping organize the event.
“Past generations understood the value of making things last through periodic repair and maintenance, but these skills have become underrated in a culture that is always looking to the newest model or hottest trend,” she says. “Replacing items is the new norm, rather than the rare exception. This mindset has led us to empty pocketbooks, overfull landfills and a population that’s lacking in self-sufficient spirit.”
Fix-it Fairs are for people looking to buck that trend, Aleah explains. “When you bring your broken item to a Fix-it Fair, you have the opportunity to not only get it repaired, but you can also learn a new skill and save money.”
Rather than competing with local repair services, Fix-it Fairs promote them. They’re a reminder that we have repair experts in our community and that fixing an item is more empowering than throwing it out and buying new.
In cooperation with Community Partnership of the Ozarks’ Tool Library, fixers from the community and Queen City Beard and Mustache Federation will offer repair and maintenance skills for bicycles; small engines (mowers, trimmers, chainsaws, etc.); clothing; electrical appliances (lamps, radios, fans, etc.); and answer questions about home plumbing and energy efficiency.
If you’re interested in volunteering your services for this community event, contact Amanda Stadler at astadler@cpozarks.org.
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