Over ninety people took part in the Baxter Library’s first “Repair Fair” on Saturday, March 22. This includes over seventy-five members of the public who brought items to be repaired, and sixteen volunteers who brought their tools, knowledge, and neighborly spirit.

With a goal of keeping good, fixable items working and out of landfills, volunteers attempted to fix a variety items, including metal and wooden toys, lamps and other basic electrical appliances; electronics; and bike tires; as well as jewelry items like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets; clothing which needed holes repaired, or new zippers, or buttons.

Several participants also brought their children along, which added to the atmosphere of it being a friendly neighborhood gathering. Even people who didn’t actually get items fixed got informed advice, such as ways to get an older vehicle retrofitted with a backup camera, or on how to copy all the information from a computer’s hard drive before donating or recycling it.

Baxter Library Deputy Director Nissa Flanagan said that she considered the event to be very successful. She is already looking at options for scheduling another repair event, including the possibility of cooperating with the Gorham Recreation Department on a combined event.