A South Ayrshire library has become one of Scotland’s first ‘Lend and Mend Hubs’ after officially opening on Monday.
Girvan Library has been chosen as one of five libraries in Scotland to open an innovative recycling and learning hub as part of a pioneering project managed by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).
Within the hub, which opened on Monday, members of the community can repair, reuse, and upcycle everyday items that would otherwise be thrown away.
With each hub being tailored to local needs, the Girvan base will give the community free access to a variety of resources and equipment, including sewing machines, dress mannequins and an overlocker.
There will be free workshops and drop-ins to support residents to gather new skills and develop existing ones.
And the space will also enable skill-sharing through organised groups as well as facilitate independent use, helping individuals repurpose and repair household items and clothes.
Councillor Alec Clark, South Ayrshire Council’s spokesperson for Tourism, Culture and Rural Affairs, said the hub will be an “asset to the Girvan community.”
Cllr Clark added: “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 is now available with staff able to provide information on the hub and resources within it.
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