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
SEPTEMBER:
September 5, 12-12:30pm | Central Library
Interested in starting a mending project, or simply want to learn more? Join Bird Ross to learn more about what it takes to start a mending program. Participants are welcome to arrive early and see the Central Library’s Free Mending Program in progress.
This class is recommended for adults. No registration required.
Imagining Our Possible Futures with TetraPAKMAN
September 7, 10am - 12pm | Sequoya 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*
September 7, 10am-12pm | Hawthorne 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 August 24, 2024.
Free Mending [Special Edition]
September 7, 2-4pm | Goodman South Madison Library
Do you have clothing or other fabric items that need mending? Sewers from the Sewing Machine Project are offering free mending. These helpful sewers mend clothing and can handle any other fabric-related repairs (exception: no zipper repairs).
3-4 skilled volunteers will also be available to teach mending skills. This is your chance to ask questions, and learn the basics for mending your own items at home. No registration required!
Fall Home Maintenance with Project Home and Urban League
September 10, 6-8pm | The Black Business Hub [2352 S. Park St]
It’s getting colder, and winter will be here before you know it! At this class we will discuss how to prep your home for those frigid Winter months and the items you need to check on each year to keep your home safe and healthy. If you stay on top of these maintenance items, it will help you avoid problems and costly repairs down the road – and keep your home warmer this winter. Sponsored by MG&E.
ALL ARE WELCOME! No registration required.
Make Your Own Jogakbo Butterfly*
September 11, 6-8pm | Pinney Library
In this class, you will learn about the traditional Korean patchwork technique, Jogakbo. With a traditional Korean fabric, Nobang, you’ll learn to make a colorful butterfly using a hand stitch called Gam-chim-jil (whip stitch). You’ll take home your own handmade butterfly at the end of the class. Whether you’re practiced at hand sewing or a complete beginner, this project is for you!
This program is intended for older teens and adults. Registration is required and opens two weeks prior to the event on August 28, 2024.
Free Mending [Special Edition]
September 14, 2-4pm | Pinney Library
Do you have clothing or other fabric items that need mending? Sewers from the Sewing Machine Project are offering free mending. These helpful sewers mend clothing and can handle any other fabric-related repairs (exception: no zipper repairs).
3-4 skilled volunteers will also be available to teach mending skills. This is your chance to ask questions, and learn the basics for mending your own items at home. No registration required!
September 15, 2-4pm | Central Library [Bubbler Room]
Repairing stretchy fabrics can be a challenge - leggings, activewear, running tights, sweatpants, etc. Textile artist India Johnson will do a demo on fixing these tricky fabrics both by hand and using a domestic sewing machine. You’ll learn common stretch stitches by hand and machine, materials choices, how to work with 1- and 2-way stretch, and how to use two different styles of inconspicuous patches. After the demo, you’ll have supported work time to start (or maybe even finish!) a stretchy repair–bring your own or samples will be provided. There will be plenty of time for one-on-one questions and advice on how to approach repairing specific items in your mending pile.
This program is intended for older teens and adults. Registration is required and opens two weeks prior to the event on September 1, 2024.
Stuffed Animal Mending Clinic*
September 18, 6-8pm | Pinney 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 September 4, 2024.
Biking Across the U.S. with Sam & Chick Westby
September 19, 6-7pm | Meadowridge Library (and simultaneously ONLINE)
Sam and his dad Chick will share about their 3,600 mile journey from Oregon to New Jersey on bicycles. Over 42 days, they pushed through harrowing weather, crossed mountains, and stopped at lots and lots of gas stations. Bike touring comes with many unexpected twists and turns, requiring them to repair their bikes along the way, and care for each other as challenges arose. Join us for an evening of storytelling and education that you won’t forget!
This talk is recommended for all ages. No registration required to attend in person, please register to receive the Zoom link to join online.
September 20, 2-4pm | Alicia Ashman Library
Learn simple hardwood chair repair! In this class Sylvie will walk through the basics of chair structure, talk about why different parts fail, and demonstrate how to make simple repairs for common issues like loose spindles or wiggly legs. Repairs will be demonstrated with a drill, screws, glue, dowels, hammer, nails, and creative problem solving. Extend the life of solid wood chairs and learn how to fix things!
This class is recommended for adults. No registration required.
Stuffed Animal Mending Clinic*
September 21, 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 September 7, 2024.
Make Your Own Jogakbo Butterfly*
September 26, 5:30-7:30pm | Lakeview Library
In this class, you will learn about the traditional Korean patchwork technique, Jogakbo. With a traditional Korean fabric, Nobang, you’ll learn to make a colorful butterfly using a hand stitch called Gam-chim-jil (whip stitch). You’ll take home your own handmade butterfly at the end of the class. Whether you’re practiced at hand sewing or a complete beginner, this project is for you!
This program is intended for older teens and adults. Registration is required and opens two weeks prior to the event on September 12, 2024.
September 28, 10-11:30am | Monroe Street Library
In this program, you will learn how to visibly mend clothing with holes using patches and embroidery floss. Visible mending is an ornamental approach to repairing an item. Rather than trying to mask the area where the item was damaged, the goal is to highlight these imperfections in a creative, eye-catching way. Local artist and illustrator Rita Salm will go through their process on visible mending using stick and stitch guides.
This program is intended for older teens and adults. No registration required.
September 28, 10am - 12pm | Hawthorne Library
Learn simple hardwood chair repair! In this class Sylvie will walk through the basics of chair structure, talk about why different parts fail, and demonstrate how to make simple repairs for common issues like loose spindles or wiggly legs. Repairs will be demonstrated with a drill, screws, glue, dowels, hammer, nails, and creative problem solving. Extend the life of solid wood chairs and learn how to fix things!
This class is recommended for adults. No registration required.
OCTOBER:
October 8, 6-8pm | Sequoya Library
Learn simple hardwood chair repair! In this class Sylvie will walk through the basics of chair structure, talk about why different parts fail, and demonstrate how to make simple repairs for common issues like loose spindles or wiggly legs. Repairs will be demonstrated with a drill, screws, glue, dowels, hammer, nails, and creative problem solving. Extend the life of solid wood chairs and learn how to fix things!
This class is recommended for adults. No registration required.
[CANCELLED] Stuffed Animal Mending Clinic*
October 12, 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.
This class was cancelled, and a new class added on Saturday September 21, 10am-12pm.
October 14, 6-7:30pm | Meadowridge Library
So many home repair projects begin and end with one easy-to-use, yet intimidating power tool - the drill. Demystify drills and drivers in this beginner class where you’ll learn the basic functions for both drilling holes and inserting or removing hardware, along with best practices for using both drills and drivers. You’ll walk away being able to easily locate studs, hang picture frames, fix railings, and make any number of countless other simple home repairs that rely on the humble drill!
This class is recommended for adults. Registration is required and opens two weeks prior to the event on September 30, 2024.
Make Your Own Jogakbo Butterfly*
October 17, 10am - 12pm | Alicia Ashman Library
In this class, you will learn about the traditional Korean patchwork technique, Jogakbo. With a traditional Korean fabric, Nobang, you’ll learn to make a colorful butterfly using a hand stitch called Gam-chim-jil (whip stitch). You’ll take home your own handmade butterfly at the end of the class. Whether you’re practiced at hand sewing or a complete beginner, this project is for you!
This program is intended for older teens and adults. Registration is required and opens two weeks prior to the event on October 3, 2024.
October 19, 10am - 12pm | Lakeview Library
So many home repair projects begin and end with one easy-to-use, yet intimidating power tool - the drill. Demystify drills and drivers in this beginner class where you’ll learn the basic functions for both drilling holes and inserting or removing hardware, along with best practices for using both drills and drivers. You’ll walk away being able to easily locate studs, hang picture frames, fix railings, and make any number of countless other simple home repairs that rely on the humble drill!
This class is recommended for adults. Registration is required and opens two weeks prior to the event on October 5, 2024.
October 24, 6-7:30pm | Lakeview Library
In this program, you will learn how to visibly mend clothing with holes using patches and embroidery floss. Visible mending is an ornamental approach to repairing an item. Rather than trying to mask the area where the item was damaged, the goal is to highlight these imperfections in a creative, eye-catching way. Local artist and illustrator Rita Salm will go through their process on visible mending using stick and stitch guides.
This program is intended for older teens and adults. Registration is required and opens two weeks prior to the event on October 10, 2024.
October 26, 10am-1:00pm |Sequoya Library
Bring what you can in terms of (adult) clothing that no longer serves you but could find a new life with someone else; and take whatever catches your eye! No need to bring something to take something, and no need to take something if you bring something to donate. This program presented in partnership with ReWear-It UW Madison.
This program is intended for older teens and adults.
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.
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.
