From August 9 - November 15, Madison Public Library is hosting a series of free events focused on learning to mend, repair, and care for household items including everything from clothing to bikes. The Care & Repair program is made possible thanks to Beyond the Page, an endowment that funds free humanities programs at Dane County libraries both individually and collectively.
The Care & Repair series includes more than 30 programs spread across all nine Madison Public Library locations over the course of three months, and participants are invited to learn new skills and techniques, try artful mending practices, and envision innovative ways to reuse old items.
Care & Repair will feature a number of artists, speakers, and organizations from the Madison area and beyond who will lead and facilitate programs, including:
- Rita Salm
- India Johnson
- TetraPAKMAN
- Miryeong Hong
- Bird Ross
- Christina Ruhaak
- Sylvie Rosenthal
- Wisconsin Bike Fed
- Wheels for Winners
- Dream Bikes
- Judy Frater
- Sam & Chick Westby
- Fibershed Heartland
- The Sewing Machine Project
- Textile Arts Center of Madison
- Project Home
- Urban League
- UW Madison ReWear-It
In addition to the wonderful programs in this series, library staff selected books to inspire and inform your next do-it-yourself project, including mending, big and small home repairs, traveling by (and maintaining) a bicycle, and sustainable practices for every lifestyle. You can browse the Care & Repair Book List online, or look for print versions when you attend events!
PLEASE NOTE: This series is mostly geared towards adults, with some programs open to all ages, as noted below. Registration is required where indicated, and registration opens two weeks before each program date. Capacity is limited for many programs, so sign up to participate!
Upcoming Events
NOVEMBER:
Imagining Our Possible Futures with TetraPAKMAN
November 4, 4:15-6pm | Goodman South Madison Library
Little, medium and big geniuses wanted!
Let’s explore our challenges and discover ways of caring for our environment while we put hands on reclaimed materials to build our biggest dreamed solutions, machines to solve problems or devices that auto repair themselves. Join TetraPAKMAN in this workshop where creativity will follow science (fiction) to imagine and prototype solutions.
This family friendly program is appropriate for all ages. No registration required.
Stuffed Animal Mending Clinic*
November 9, 10am - 12pm | Monroe Street Library
Is your Big Bossy missing an ear? Lambie sprung a stuffing leak? Pato the Duck have a hole in his wing? Christina can help you learn to visually mend your most precious stuffed friend with sewing and fabric patches. They will be even more lovable after the repair. Please bring your own stuffed animal. All materials for the most common stuffed animal repair are provided, including spare parts, stuffing, patches, and more.
The skills in this class are targeted at adult learners, however, youth participants are welcome to attend with an adult! Registration is required and opens two weeks prior to the event on October 26, 2024.
Fibershed Heartland: Fiber Arts Materials Swap
November 9, 1-4pm | Sequoya Library
Instead of throwing out unused yarn and fabric, recirculate your materials to a new home. Bring yarn, fabric, fleece, books, tools, etc. that you aren’t using, and take home something new that inspires you. No need to bring something to take something, and no need to take something if you bring something to donate.
This is a free event, open to everyone that is hosted by Fibershed Heartland; promoting local, earth-friendly fibers & fabrics.
November 15, 7-8pm (doors open at 6:30) | Central Library
Join us for a panel discussion with Judy Frater, author of the book Artisans by Design, Adil Khatri and Pachan Siju, two textile artists who attended the school discussed in her book. Artisans by Design tells the story of creating the first design school for artisans in India. The book spans 50 years, and shares vignettes of artisans who are living out sustainability as cultural heritage. The design school’s human-centered approach to developing artists and designs honors the tradition, craft and creativity textile artisans in India have showcased for years.
You’ll enjoy a lively, illustrated talk, followed by a trunk show featuring textiles designed and created by graduates of the design education program. Copies of Artisans by Design will be available for purchase from A Room of One’s Own bookstore.
This talk is recommended for adults. No registration required.
