Get household items repaired for free at Ypsi library’s new “repair clinic” events

On the Ground Ypsilanti is an “embedded journalism” program covering the city and township of Ypsilanti. It is supported by Ann Arbor SPARK, the Center for Health and Research Transformation, Destination Ann Arbor, Eastern Michigan University, Engage @ EMU, Washtenaw Community College, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission, and Washtenaw ISD.

The Ypsilanti District Library (YDL) is launching a pilot repair clinic program where residents can use YDL supplies and equipment to repair household items for free. The first clinic, focusing on repairs for cloth items like clothing or backpacks, will take place in the program room at YDL’s downtown branch, 229 W. Michigan Ave. in Ypsilanti, on March 26 from 10-11:30 a.m.

Librarian Aaron Smith says the clinic idea is modeled in part on the Detroit Repair Cafe, and staff hope to create a permanent series of repair clinics on the YDL calendar.

Smith and YDL Youth Librarian Stephanie Pocsi-Morrison say the first three events in March, April, and May will be held on different days and at different times to assess when is most convenient for patrons, but they hope to work out a regular clinic schedule. The first three events are on the library’s calendar. If they go well and there’s community interest, the clinic can expand to a permanent monthly or twice-monthly event. Each clinic will offer different types of repair help available depending on what skills volunteers can offer and community interest.

Pocsi-Morrison says she will offer her “novice sewing skills,” and two other volunteers will also offer their sewing abilities. She says she can teach patrons how to do a basic hem or patch, and she’ll bring a grommet punch and a tool for putting rivets into jeans. Another volunteer can do minor jewelry repairs. YDL staff are also hoping they can partner with the Ypsi Bike Co-op to offer bike repairs during this and future clinics.

Future repair clinics might involve coffee makers and other small appliances. Smith says that if patrons have large items or items they aren’t sure are appropriate, they’ll be able to send in photos so the repair clinic team can assess the item that way.

“Even if we can’t fix it or figure it out that day, we can take your information and figure out who can help you,” Smith says.

Pocsi-Morrison says she hopes the repair clinics build skills so that people feel confident checking out sewing machines and other equipment from YDL’s Library of Things, and that patrons will build relationships with one another.
For more information about the repair clinics, see YDL’s events calendar. Email questions and suggestions to the organizers at smorrison@ypsilibrary.org or asmith@ypsilibrary.org.