[HOUSTON, TX. March 4, 2025] – Back when Houston was just a couple buildings on a bend in the bayou, if a wagon wheel broke, or the family goat ripped the seat out of your best trousers, you had to fix them yourself, find someone who could, or else get used to walking with a bit of extra ventilation. Nowadays, with around-the-clock eCommerce, if something breaks, a replacement can be on your doorstep the next day and all it takes is a few clicks and a credit card.
Is that convenient? Yes. Are shiny new things nice? Also, yes. But what are the consequences?
Our closets, attics and landfills are full of small appliances that just need a new switch, electronics with power cords the dog chewed through and clothes that only need a seam sewn up to give years more service. Tossing out things without even asking if they can be repaired is becoming second nature to many of us, but it has very real impacts on our bank accounts and on our planet. The constant cycle of buying and discarding is not sustainable. Harris County Public Library and Harris County Office of County Administration have partnered to help you break the cycle.
Break the Cycle. Repair. Don't Replace.
Do you have a broken toaster or a favorite blazer in need of mending? Bring it to the Repair Cafe! Harris County Public Library (HCPL) and the Office of County Administration (OCA) are teaming up to help breathe new life into everyday household items while promoting sustainable living. The 2025 HCPL Repair Cafe schedule has been released, with events taking place at four HCPL branches. During these events, volunteer “repair coaches” will help return some common household items back to working order.
Repair Cafes are part of HCPL’s and OCA’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices, while also educating Harris County residents on the economic and environmental benefits of sustainability, both at the county level and within individual households.
On the surface, Repair Cafes are about getting items with practical or sentimental value back into working order, but they are much more than that. Repair Cafes foster community. Volunteers share their skills and teach others. They embody the idea that we must take care of resources entrusted to us for future generations, whether that be a family heirloom, or the limited natural resources used to make household appliances.
“Repair Cafes reduce the amount of waste hitting our landfills. They also save people money and build their confidence by teaching them the skills to repair what are often treasured items,” said Laura Smith, HCPL Collection Development Librarian and Sustainability Team Lead. Most of all, they're about community. At every event, I have so much fun hearing stories from people about what they've brought in and even more fun seeing the excitement on their faces when we've had a successful repair.”
“As part of Harris County’s commitment to sustainability, the Repair Cafe offers a unique opportunity for our community to come together, reduce waste, and learn how simple repairs can make a significant environmental impact,” stated Lisa Lin, Director of the Office of Sustainability, OCA. “By extending the life of everyday items, we’re not only conserving resources but also fostering a culture of sharing, learning, and caring for the world around us.”
Harris County Public Library Repair Cafe Schedule 2025
Volunteer repair coaches will be on hand at these events to help repair your items free of charge. The libraries will have tools and commonly needed materials.
Saturday, March 8, 11:00 am -3:00 pm - Katherine Tyra Branch Library @ Bear Creek
Saturday, May 3, 11:00 am -3:00 pm - Evelyn Meador Branch Library (Seabrook)
Saturday, September 27, 11:00 am -3:00 pm - West University Branch Library
Saturday, November 8, 11:00 am -3:00 pm - Baldwin Boettcher Branch Library (Humble)
What Items Can Be Repaired
The repair coaches can help with minor repairs of many household items, including the following:
| Small appliances | Power cords | Plugs |
| Lamps | Switches | Clocks |
| Fans | Toys | Games |
| Clothes | Textiles, like Blankets, Quilts & Comforters |
Some repairs, of course, will be beyond the scope of the event. Repair coaches will do their best, but the library does not guarantee your item can be repaired.
