Girvan Library to become one of Scotland's first Lend and Mend Hubs

This is an archived article from 26 June 2023. 

Girvan Library has been chosen as one of five libraries in Scotland to open a 'Lend and Mend Hub' as part of a pioneering project managed by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).

Within the Lend and Mend Hub, members of the community can repair, reuse, and upcycle everyday items that would otherwise be thrown away. The library service will offer free access to the resources and knowledge needed for local people to keep items in use for longer.

Each hub is tailored to local needs, and the Girvan Lend and Mend Hub will give the Girvan community free access to a variety of resources, such as sewing machines, dress mannequins and an overlocker. There will be free workshops and drop-ins to support those participating to gather new skills and develop existing ones. The space will enable skill-sharing through organised groups and also facilitate independent use.

This is a sterling example of how, at a local level, Girvan Library is contributing to the wider Circular Economy. Benefits will also be felt on an individual level as repurposing and repairing household items and clothes removes the financial pressure that comes with replacing them.  

Councillor Alec Clark, South Ayrshire Council's portfolio holder for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs said: "The new Lend and Mend Hub will be an asset to the Girvan community. We're extremely proud to have been chosen as one of five local authorities to pilot this innovative project, and I hope this inspired other communities to get involved too!"

Pamela Tulloch, chief executive of SLIC, said: "Receiving over 40 million visits every year, the Scottish public 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.

"And at a time when all of Scotland's 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."

Access to the hub will be available from Monday 26 June and staff will be able to provide information on the hub and resources within it.

For more information on libraries in South Ayrshire, visit www.facebook.com/salibraries