Having been under threat for years, local libraries are now working hard to become vibrant well-used community spaces with a varied programme of events and facilities.
This new purpose has generated exciting possibilities for share and repair projects, with a strong synergy in purpose that focuses on reusing and borrowing. Public libraries are accessible well-loved community facilities – often with affordable, available spaces and a diverse footfall of users.
This article looks at examples of projects that have brought sharing and repairing to local library users – some initiated by the library service themselves, and others through working with local third sector partners.
- SLIC Lend and Mend Hubs
- Fixing for a Future workshops in East Lothian Libraries
- Arran Repair Café in Arran Public Library
- Gardening Tool Library at Fintry Community Library, Dundee
- Hawick Musical Instrument Library
Lend and Mend Hubs
The Lend and Mend pilot programme, spearheaded by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), is a flagship initiative designed to explore how libraries can champion sustainability. Launched in nine libraries across Scotland, the hubs provide equipment, facilities, and classes that enable local residents to mend, reuse, and upcycle clothing and textiles.
Participating libraries include:
- Aberdeen Central Library
- A K Bell Library, Perth
- Forfar Library
- Girvan Library
- Kilbirnie Library
- Midlothian Libraries (Gorebridge, Loanhead, and Danderhall)
- Orkney Library and Archive
- South West Library, Greenock
- Wester Hailes Library, Edinburgh
The response from communities has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants report increased confidence, improved wellbeing, and a sense of belonging. The hubs have successfully attracted a diverse range of users – including refugees, older adults, and families – demonstrating the power of libraries as inclusive and equitable spaces.
“It is incredibly helpful to have a space with so much equipment and resources as a beginner… I made my first piece entirely on my own—a wrap skirt made from a second-hand bedsheet.”
— Participant, Orkney Library“After Covid I was not going out and was feeling quite unsocial. The ladies in the group made me feel so welcome… The groups have been a lifeline to me.”
— Participant, South West Library, Greenock
The next phase for these Lend and Mend Hubs is expansion to include tool libraries and electronic repair workshops. To find out more download a summary of the project.
Fixing for a Future at East Lothian Libraries
In partnership with East Lothian Libraries, Fixing for a Future has launched a series of free, volunteer-led sewing workshops focused on clothing repair. Initially piloted in Haddington and Tranent libraries, the project is set to expand to four additional locations.
The workshops have attracted over 180 participants in just six months. While the practical skills – such as threading a sewing machine or repairing garments – are central, the social and emotional benefits are equally significant. Participants describe the sessions as calming, welcoming, and empowering.
“The social aspect is amazing. Very friendly people and the volunteers are so supportive and encouraging.”
— Workshop attendee“As volunteers we discovered that we all have different skills… Holding the sessions in the library has a lovely community feel to it.”
— Volunteer
The project’s low-cost model – delivered by passionate volunteers – demonstrates how libraries can host sustainable initiatives that foster both skill-building and community cohesion. Project organiser Rosie Harrison told us more about it.
“The project came about when the Principal Officer of East Lothian Libraries asked if we could deliver eco-related workshops to help make use of currently under-used library spaces, encourage more visitors and help the libraries promote an environmental ethos.
We knew from the number of textile and clothing items being brought to our Repair Café and the popularity of our ‘Against Fast Fashion!’ sewing skills workshops at East Lothian secondary schools, that sewing skills are in demand.
Alongside the positive public response we couldn’t have predicted the immediate and overwhelmingly positive response to our initial Facebook post to recruit volunteers – within just a week we had a team to cover the two libraries! Each person brings a wealth of sewing knowledge and experience and at that first meeting it became clear that, collectively, our volunteer team could fix anything.”
Repair Café Arran
On the Isle of Arran, the Repair Café has found a welcoming home in the Arran Public Library. At weekly Fix it Friday sessions, community members gather to repair household items, share knowledge, and promote sustainable living.
Organiser Michael Gettins highlights the benefits of operating within a library: high footfall, accessibility, and a diverse user base. The café’s visibility encourages spontaneous engagement – people often stop by simply to ask, “Can you fix this?”
“It’s important to help library staff understand what we are trying to do… They’re often on the front line and can direct people to us.”
— Michael Gettins, Arran Repair Café
The initiative is part of a broader model that integrates waste reduction, tool lending, skill development, and wellbeing support.
The arrangement came about through a conversation between Michael and managers within North Ayrshire Council about reducing waste, lending tools, learning skills and well-being support too – which are effectively the cornerstone of the reduce reuse recycle triangle.
Fintry Tool Library (Dundee)
At Fintry Community Library in Dundee, a storeroom has been transformed into a garden tool lending library. The project was developed in response to the creation of a community garden behind the library and received funding from the Public Library Improvement Fund (PLIF).
Run by library staff, the tool library focuses on non-electrical gardening tools and is integrated into the library’s catalogue system. It has supported a wide range of users – from local schools to city-wide gardening projects.
“We’ve had lots of great partnerships… It’s been a great way to increase our reach into different community groups.”
— Louise McDermott, Dundee Libraries
Challenges include raising awareness and integrating the tool catalogue into existing systems, but the project continues to grow. Louise initially thought that thought maintaining and cleaning the tools might be an issue, but as they don’t have electrical items there’s no complicated maintenance required. People are asked to return the items as clean as possible and mostly they do.
Louise has learned that most of their borrowers are casual gardeners who already have the basic tools (spades, forks etc), so they don’t lend out many of those. What people do want are the specialist items they would use less frequently – such as aerators or specialist loppers.
Dundee Central Library is also launching Creative Central, a repair-focused initiative offering sewing equipment and workshops.
Musical Instruments loans in libraries
The Hawick Musical Instrument Library at Hawick Library, operated by Borders Live, is part of a We Make Music Scotland initiative. Since its launch in 2022, the programme has expanded to 22 libraries across 12 local authorities, allowing users to borrow musical instruments just like books.
These libraries have also hosted music lessons, workshops, and events, making music education more accessible and inclusive.
Conclusion: Libraries as Hubs of Sustainability and Community Engagement
These projects illustrate the potential of public libraries in supporting the share and repair movement. By offering accessible spaces, trusted staff, and established community connections, libraries are uniquely positioned to host initiatives that promote sustainability, skill development, and social inclusion.
For organisations and individuals looking to start similar projects, libraries offer a wealth of opportunity.
Email our Share and Repair Network Coordinator jane@circularcommunities.scot for more information or for support setting up your own sharing library in Scotland.
ARTICLE COVER PHOTO – Thanks to Arran Repair Cafe