Love Libraries – Libraries help tackle cost-of-living crisis through Lend and Mend hubs
Free equipment to help repair, reuse and upcycle everyday items is being offered as part of a trailblazing sustainability project at libraries across Scotland.
The ‘Lend and Mend’ hubs aim to support and encourage communities to keep items for longer rather than throw them away.
The projects not only promote a shift towards a circular economy but are also helping people save money during the cost-of-living crisis.
Credit: SLIC
Network
The Lend and Mend network, managed by the Scottish Libraries and Information Council (SLIC), covers Perth, Aberdeen, Forfar, Midlothian, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, Orkney, Edinburgh and Inverclyde.
Funding came from the £1 million John Lewis Circular Future Fund – money raised from the carrier bag charge – with SLIC one of four projects to benefit.
The Lend and Mend hubs have been proving hugely popular with residents since launching in the summer of 2023.
Annabel Cavaroli, Customer Engagement Manager at Midlothian Council, said:
“It’s being able to go into the library and use sewing machines, embroidery machines, all the haberdashery and bits and pieces completely free.
“We were the first local authority to open secondary hubs and we now have three [at Danderhall, Gorebridge and Loanhead] and a few groups, like Knit and Natter, now as a result of the hubs. There’s also other craft groups too.”
Share
In South Ayrshire, Lend and Mend has been a huge hit at Girvan Library.
Salena Riley, Engagement Assistant, Libraries & Museums at South Ayrshire Council, said:
“The hubs bring people together to reuse, share and repair, so they can do their bit for the environment while saving money and resources for their families and communities.
“In addition to the established Mending Hub, the Girvan Library Lending Hub launching in 2025 will have a non-traditional lending collection to expand the library’s borrowable resources, including power tools, wallpaper strippers and sewing machines.
“Customers will be able to borrow high-cost items for free, contributing to the circular economy and encouraging library users to reuse and repair.
“We’ve also had great speakers in our libraries about recycling and sustainability.”
Success
In Edinburgh, Lend and Mend went on tour when the Wester Hailes Library hub had to close for repairs. The initiative included support from tutors on using sewing machines to repair clothing and fabrics. The tour was praised as exciting, different and heralded a great success.
Trusted
Marion Kunderan, Principal Officer at SLIC, said:
“With the ongoing cost of living crisis, the Lend and Mend hubs support families to make more sustainable choices. Libraries are trusted community spaces without agenda and provide a space where communities can take action through practical everyday solutions locally at no cost.
“Crucially, the hubs are spaces where people can come together, share their skills and support the circular economy.
“The project has also led to meaningful partnerships with key players within Scotland’s growing Share and Repair network and perfectly showcases the role of libraries in supporting sustainability.”
Learn more about Lend and Mend at scottishlibraries.org/lend-and-mend/
Credit: SLIC