Repair Day at Woodlawn Library

Repair Day is a free community event that brings together people who have broken household items and neighbors who enjoy fixing things.

This is not a drop-off repair service. Owners remain with their belongings, participate in the process and learn more about how their items work. Sometimes an item can be fixed during the event. Sometimes the most useful result is a diagnosis, identification of a needed part or an honest determination that the item cannot be repaired safely.

Every successful repair saves money, prevents waste and preserves the value of something that still has useful life.

We expect to offer help in several repair categories, depending on volunteer availability.

We do not offer clothing, textile or other mending repairs at this event. For torn seams, hems, buttons, zippers and similar work, please visit the library's Mentored Mending program.

Not sure whether your item qualifies? Submit a description through the registration form. We will provide a preliminary answer whenever possible.

Your item should:

• Be small enough for one person to carry
• Fit on or beside a normal worktable
• Be reasonably clean and free of pests or contamination
• Be safe to inspect indoors
• Have a repair that can reasonably be attempted in 30–45 minutes
• Be accompanied by its owner throughout the repair
• Include all loose parts, cords, chargers and accessories

Please bring the item's model number, instruction manual or photographs when available. Bring replacement parts when you already know what is needed.

For safety and space reasons, please do not bring:

Volunteers and event organizers may decline any repair that they consider unsafe or beyond the available equipment, time or expertise.

1. Check in and describe the problem.
2. An event volunteer will screen the item for size and safety.
3. You will be directed to an appropriate repair station.
4. You and the repair volunteer will inspect the item together.
5. The volunteer will attempt a repair, provide a diagnosis or recommend next steps.
6. Before leaving, you will report whether the item was repaired, partly repaired, diagnosed or unable to be repaired.

Repairs are not guaranteed. The owner is responsible for purchasing any special replacement parts. Some items may need to be taken home and returned at a later event after the correct part is obtained.

Repair Day is free.

Optional donations may be accepted to help purchase shared tools and commonly used repair materials. Volunteers do not charge for their time.

• One item per household unless event capacity permits additional items.
• Owners must remain with their belongings.
• Items may not be dropped off.
• Minors must be accompanied by an adult.
• Owners must approve any disassembly or repair attempt.
• Repair work is performed by volunteers and is undertaken at the owner's risk.
• Successful repair and continued safe operation cannot be guaranteed.
• Event volunteers may stop or decline any repair.
• The organizer does not warrant or certify repaired items.

The success of Repair Day depends entirely on the participation of volunteers helping out. Please sign up!