Ames Repair Café Returns on Sept. 13; Volunteers Provide Free Repairs

Published on September 10, 2025

The Ames Repair Café will return to Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13. Ames Repair Café volunteers have partnered with the Ames Resource Recovery Plant and Ames Public Library to promote waste reduction by repairing rather than replacing items that no longer function properly. The repairs are offered at no charge.

At the event, Ames Repair Café will also host small group learning sessions. All the necessary tools for teaching will be provided. Participants are expected to bring their own broken items to learn how to fix. 

• Clothing and mending, 10 to 11 a.m., Ames Public Library Teen Space
• Home and kitchen appliances, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Ames Public Library Teen Space
• Bicycles, 1 to 2 p.m., in front of Ames Public Library

The Ames Repair Café Team is an all-volunteer group with various repair skills. Some items the volunteers are prepared to work on include home and kitchen appliances, lawn mowers, snowblowers, bicycles, computers and laptops, clothing and accessories for mending, jewelry, and small electronics. Participants are expected to bring their items to the library and remain with them throughout the repair process. If volunteers are unable to fix the item or if parts are required, the volunteers will assist in finding a local repair shop. If participants have replacement parts, they should bring them with the item. Volunteers also will focus on sharing basic maintenance tips.

For questions or more information, email AmesRepairCafe@gmail.com.

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