WANTAGE TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — The Sussex County Library System will host its first Repair Café this fall, inviting residents to bring broken household items for free repairs while promoting sustainability and community learning.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Sussex-Wantage Branch.
Repair Café is an international initiative that encourages people to repair household items rather than throw them away. Volunteers with repair skills help community members troubleshoot and fix a variety of items, with the goal of reducing waste, saving money and sharing practical knowledge.
“By bringing people together to repair instead of replace, we’re helping create a more sustainable community while reinforcing the library’s role as a place where neighbors learn from one another,” said Ellen Callanan, assistant director of the Sussex County Library System. “We’re excited to see our community come together to make this first Repair Café a success.”
The library system is seeking volunteers to serve as repair coaches, as well as organizations interested in donating supplies and materials for the event.
Volunteers with experience repairing the following items are encouraged to participate:
- Small appliances
- Clothing and textiles
- Bicycles
- Furniture and wooden items
- Jewelry
- Tool sharpening
Those interested in volunteering, donating materials or learning more about the event can email repaircafe@sussexcountylibrary.org. Additional information is available on the Sussex County Library System events calendar.
The Repair Café movement began in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 2009. It has since expanded internationally through the Repair Café International Foundation, which supports communities in establishing local repair events.
