Lend and Mend

Our Lend and Mend Hub is a dedicated facility, based in the AK Bell Library.

Lend and Mend allows free access to equipment to repair, reuse and upcycle textiles.

Current Equipment

  • Sewing machines
  • Embroidery machine
  • Dressmakers’ dummies
  • Overlocker
  • Cutting Mats
  • Rotary cutters
  • Fabric scissors
  • Ironing board and iron
  • Staple gun
  • Collection of thread and ribbons
  • Crochet hooks
  • Wundaweb

As well as providing the above, we encourage people using the Hub to bring in their own thread and items to ensure that enough resources are available in the hub.

The Hub would also be grateful for any donations of fabric and threads (Coates, Guttermans).

Before accessing the Hub, all users will need to have a short induction on their first visit to familiarise them with the space and equipment. You can book your induction at the library by contacting the library at [email protected] or phoning 01738 444949.

After your induction, to book a sewing machine, the overlocker or the embroidery machine in the Lend and Mend Hub, you can book online here. Please note the sewing machine number when booking. On arrival please go to the Lending Reception desk to receive your individual sewing kit.

Booking

Induction times take place on:

Tuesdays 4pm – 5pm.

Fridays 11am – 12pm.

You must be a library member to use the hub so please make sure you have an up-to-date Culture Perth and Kinross Library membership.

As induction sessions are managed by volunteers, we may have to reschedule bookings at short notice.

Project Funding

Nine library partners across Scotland have been selected to host a ‘Lend and Mend Hub’ as part of the pilot project managed by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).

Taking a co-design approach, the hubs have been developed with insight and expertise from local teams and library members to ensure services are tailored to community needs.  Funding granted from The John Lewis Partnership’s £1m Circular Future Fund has been used for the equipment, training and space upgrades needed to deliver these promising projects.

Following their launch, each library hub will also introduce an education programme to support new skills development, helping to reduce inequality through equal access to resources. 

There is a short safety video about using the Lend & Mend Hub below followed by a video guide to using the machines safely.