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Nashville Public Library Seeks Volunteers to Repair Broken Items

Nashville Public Library Seeks Skilled 'Fixers' to Revive Community Repair Program

In a bid to foster sustainability, skill-sharing, and community engagement, the Nashville Public Library (NPL) has issued a call for volunteer "fixers" to join its innovative repair workshop initiative. This program, which echoes the global Repair Café movement, aims to help residents mend broken household items rather than discarding them, thereby reducing waste and promoting a culture of reuse. The library's announcement highlights a growing need for individuals with hands-on expertise in various trades to lead these free, public events, where participants can bring in everything from malfunctioning electronics to torn clothing and receive guidance on fixing them.

The roots of this program trace back to the library's commitment to serving as a hub for lifelong learning and environmental stewardship. According to library officials, the repair workshops began as a pilot a few years ago, inspired by similar efforts in cities like Amsterdam, where the first Repair Café was founded in 2009. In Nashville, the program has evolved to address local challenges, such as the city's rapid urban growth and the accompanying increase in consumer waste. By partnering with community organizations and local makerspaces, NPL has hosted dozens of sessions that not only repair items but also educate attendees on basic maintenance skills, empowering them to handle future fixes independently.

What exactly are "fixers"? These are volunteers with specialized knowledge in areas like sewing, woodworking, small appliance repair, bicycle maintenance, or even jewelry restoration. The library is particularly seeking a diverse pool of talent, including retirees with trade experience, hobbyists, and professionals willing to donate their time. No formal certification is required, but a passion for problem-solving and teaching is essential. Fixers work in teams during workshops, typically held monthly at various library branches across Davidson County, such as the Main Library downtown or neighborhood outposts in East Nashville and Bellevue. Each session lasts a few hours, during which participants arrive with their broken goods—think a toaster that won't heat, a pair of jeans with a ripped seam, or a laptop with a faulty keyboard—and collaborate with fixers to diagnose and repair them using shared tools and materials provided by the library.

The appeal for more fixers comes at a time when the program is expanding due to overwhelming demand. Library coordinators note that attendance has surged post-pandemic, as people seek cost-effective ways to extend the life of their possessions amid rising inflation and supply chain disruptions. One recent workshop, for instance, saw over 50 participants successfully mend items that would have otherwise ended up in landfills, saving an estimated hundreds of dollars in replacement costs. Environmental benefits are a key selling point: by repairing rather than replacing, the program aligns with Nashville's sustainability goals, reducing electronic waste and carbon footprints associated with manufacturing new products.

Beyond the practical fixes, the workshops serve as social gatherings that build community bonds. Attendees often share stories about their items—perhaps a family heirloom lamp or a child's favorite toy—turning the events into storytelling sessions that celebrate personal histories. Fixers, in turn, report a sense of fulfillment from passing on their skills. "It's not just about fixing things; it's about fixing our throwaway mindset," one veteran fixer shared in a library testimonial. This sentiment resonates with NPL's broader mission to democratize access to knowledge and resources, especially in a city where economic disparities can limit opportunities for hands-on learning.

To attract more volunteers, the library is offering flexible scheduling, training sessions for new fixers, and even small perks like library swag or recognition events. Interested individuals can apply through the NPL website, where a simple form asks for details on skills and availability. The library emphasizes inclusivity, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women in STEM fields and immigrants with traditional craftsmanship expertise. This diversity enriches the workshops, introducing techniques from around the world, such as Japanese kintsugi for pottery repair or African textile mending methods.

Looking ahead, NPL plans to integrate the repair program with other initiatives, like digital literacy classes where fixers could teach smartphone troubleshooting, or youth programs that introduce teens to basic engineering through hands-on repairs. There's also talk of mobile workshops that travel to underserved neighborhoods, making the service more accessible. Success stories abound: one participant recounted how a fixer revived her grandmother's vintage sewing machine, preserving a piece of family heritage. Another highlighted the environmental impact, noting that repairing a single blender prevents the need for new plastic production and mining for rare earth metals.

The call for fixers underscores a larger trend in public libraries nationwide, which are increasingly positioning themselves as centers for practical, eco-friendly education. In Nashville, with its vibrant music and arts scene, the program even ties into creative reuse, such as repairing musical instruments or upcycling materials for art projects. By joining as a fixer, volunteers not only contribute to waste reduction—potentially diverting tons of materials from landfills annually—but also foster a sense of empowerment among residents. As one library spokesperson put it, "In a world of planned obsolescence, we're teaching people to fight back with a screwdriver and some ingenuity."

For those inspired to get involved, the library urges prompt applications, as spots for upcoming workshops are filling quickly. This initiative not only mends objects but also strengthens the fabric of the community, one repair at a time. Whether you're a seasoned electrician, a knitting enthusiast, or someone handy with tools, the Nashville Public Library welcomes you to become a fixer and help build a more sustainable future. (Word count: 842)

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