Take a leaf out of the “Lend and Mend” book – with Orkney Library and Archive!

With many looking to repair, reuse and upcycle everyday items to benefit the environment and their bank balance, there’s a fantastic new opportunity to do just that through the Orkney Library and Archive’s new Lend and Mend Hub.

The Hub launches at the OIC-run facility in Kirkwall on Friday 30 June – with a small number of people already booked in to test run the machines and offering.

Funded by the John Lewis Partnership’s Circular Fund and managed by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), Orkney Library and Archive is one of only nine library sites in Scotland to pilot the Lend and Mend Hubs to help tackle the cost-of-living crisis, whilst keeping items in use that otherwise may have been dumped.

Phase one of the project is to get the Hub up and running within the library and this will give members free access to sewing equipment and other crafting supplies to repair, reuse and upcycle everyday items. This will help promote a circular economy and encourage people to not throw away items which could be given a new lease of life.

The Hub can accommodate four people at time, using sewing machines or desk space to work on projects, and spaces must be booked in advance by contacting the library directly on 01856 873166. People can book slots from 2pm on 30 June, and once they have received a brief induction into the space and the equipment, there will be a user agreement to sign and then they can get to work.

Phase two of the project will see the library hosting workshops with partners to support new skills and learning opportunities. These workshops will be kicking off in September, and so keep an eye out if you are keen to find out more about how to sew, mend things and get creative!  During phase two, the library will also be looking to develop its non-traditional lending collection where people can borrow items like basic tools, kitchen equipment and crafting tools to ensure that anyone in the community can access resources that they may not be able to afford or need most of the time.

Vikki Kerr, Team Manager (Libraries & Archives) said: “All staff in the library are excited to launch the Hub and to see people start to make use of this brilliant space. We can’t wait to see what creations people produce.”

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, added: “Folk in Orkney are familiar with borrowing from libraries but don’t always have the opportunity to extend this circular thinking to other aspects of their lives, for example how they use household goods and clothing.

“At a time when many communities are experiencing economic and environmental challenges, the introduction of this network will build on the important role our public libraries provide, giving people access to resources they might not otherwise have to support responsible consumption and learning, locally and free.”

For more background on the project - https://www.orkney.gov.uk/News?postid=7305