By Caroline Rothaug, Programs Manager
Anyone who has ever met me has heard me wax poetic about Repair Café. The organized chaos and energetic buzz feed my soul. What could be better than a room full of people who love to fix things working with the owners of broken items to repair them. The repairers (we call them Coaches) get their fixing fix, and the guests bring home newly working belongings.
Sustainable Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs Public Library have partnered to hold fifteen Repair Cafés in the last eight years. Our coaches have a great track record of fixing over 75% of the items guests bring in. Even if we’re not able to repair something on the spot, we can often give advice on what to try next. This year we added a new location and partner: the Malta Repair Café at the Innovation Center at Saratoga.
Why are Repair Cafés important?
So far this year, 129 people brought over 150 items to our Repair Cafés to be fixed. We were able to return 111 of those to working condition again!
- Repairing items keeps them out of landfills, saves money, and reduces demand for new stuff.
- Coaches and guests alike have a real sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
- The events bring people together and build community.
Want to check one out?
We have one more Repair Café in 2025, on Sunday, December 7. Come down to the Saratoga Springs Public Library between 1 and 4 pm (pro tip– it’s less busy after 2 pm). Bring something to be repaired, or just stop by to see what it’s all about.
Want to be a Repair Coach?
Send us an email at info@sustainablesaratoga.org and let us know what you like to fix.
Can’t get enough of Repair Cafés?
There are many others in our area. See the Hudson Valley Repair Café calendar for more opportunities to get your broken stuff fixed. And, keep an eye on our Events Calendar for next year’s dates.
Repair Café is a worldwide movement. Learn more HERE.
