Brunswick Repair Cafe

Got something broken?

Get your broken stuff fixed and learn more about how things work at Brunswick Tool Library's Repair Cafe.

We will sit down in a one-on-one session with you and work together as we diagnose the problem and work towards a solution.

Book an appointment with our skilled volunteers to save your old things from landfill!

What is a Repair Cafe?

A Repair Cafe is an open workshop event, where you can get help repairing broken things from experienced fixers.

We aim to give broken stuff a new life and save your old things from the tip. We show how simple and rewarding repair can be, so that you can feel confident enough to start fixing things yourself. 

How does it work?

Book an appointment by selecting your tickets* and we’ll email you with the start time for your session. 

On the day, you will sit down with your fixer and they will walk through the repair process with you. At the end of your session, if your item isn’t fixed, you may be able to continue working on your repair independently if we have space and time.

*Certain ticket types are limited based on demand.

Do I need a ticket?

We prefer that you book a ticket so we can make best use of the time volunteered by our fixers. 

If the repair type you want is booked out, you can select a "Next-in-line" ticket and we'll contact you if there's a cancellation.

If possible, we will accept walk-ins on the day, but you may need to wait a while and we can't guarantee you a spot. If our area becomes too busy to socially distance we won't be able to accept walk-ins. 

Spots are limited, so please try to let us know if you won't be able to make it.

What can be fixed?

We have a number of talented fixers who volunteer at our Repair Cafe.  Specialising in everything from sewing, to electrical repair, to furniture restoration, to bike repairs.

In the past we've fixed:

• toasters, 
• kettles, 
• hammocks, 
• wobbly chairs,
• bikes,
• calculators, 
• ripped clothing, 
• laminators, 
• lamps, and more!

What you can get fixed will depend on the volunteers who are available on the day, availability of spare parts and complexity of repair.

Email us if you have any questions about the item you want repaired at repaircafe@brunswicktoollibrary.org.

Is it really free?

Yes, our repairers volunteer their time to help you save stuff from landfill. 

We gratefully accept donations. The Brunswick Tool Library is a volunteer-led initiative that exists because of the generous support of our vibrant community. Donations help us continue to run repair cafés and help us promote the causes of sustainability, waste reduction, community building, and resource sharing.

You may also wish to join the Brunswick Tool Library if you are not currently a member.