WURTSBORO — On Saturday, May 6th, the Mamakating Library hosted 12 repair coaches, 10 volunteers and over 80 community members eager to give and receive help from their own neighbors. 

Repair Café was founded in 2010 in the Netherlands with the goal to bring communities together to keep fixable items out of landfills, share experience and knowledge, and create a more sustainable future. “By providing free repairs and/or consultations, we hope to reduce the quantity of waste sent to the landfill, put neighbors in touch with each other in a new way and help people save money,” says planning committee volunteer, Marcia Zimmerman. 

Repair Café visitors registered upon arrival and were assisted by repair coaches specializing in jewelry, textiles, mechanical repair, electrical repair, and even plant advice. There was also knife sharpening available! The Mamakating Library began offering Repair Cafes 2-3 times a year in 2018. At this past Café event they introduced a children’s table as well. Children were invited to build wooden birdhouses with their family and our volunteers.  

Over 30 items were able to be repaired throughout the day, including watches, lamps, clocks, jewelry, clothing, small appliances, and more. The library wishes to extend their immense gratitude to all of the volunteers & repair coaches for their help in making the day a success. They are already planning for a Fall Repair Café. Register for the library newsletter at Mamakatinglibrary.org to be among the first to know date of the next event. 

The Mamakating Library is located at 128 Sullivan Street in Wurtsboro. All programs are free and open to the public. You can find more information at mamakatinglibrary.org or follow them on social media @mamakatinglibrary.