Throughout Scotland there is a network of Lend and Mend hubs located in various public library services. The hubs provide free access to equipment to repair, reuse and upcycle everyday items. The Lend and Mend service encourages people to keep items in use for longer, rather than throwing them away. By helping communities repair clothes or borrow household items, the hubs are helping to develop a long-term model for circular economy activities. They are also helping to tackle the cost-of-living crisis.
Tailoring to community needs
A co-design approach ensures that each hub tailors to the needs of their own community. Local library members and service teams are consulted, and their views incorporated into hub plans. This includes space upgrades, equipment, and training. Education programmes in each hub also support skills development – helping to reduce inequality through equitable access to resources.
The Lend and Mend hubs are managed by SLIC and were originally funded by the John Lewis Partnership £1Million Circular Future Fund. You can learn more by reading our Lend and Mend Executive Summary.
Locations
- A K Bell Library, Perth
- Aberdeen Central Library, Aberdeen
- Danderhall Library, Midlothian
- Forfar Library, Angus
- Girvan Library, South Ayrshire
- Gorebridge Library, Midlothian
- Kilbirnie Library, North Ayrshire
- Loanhead Library, Midlothian
- Orkney Library & Archive, Orkney
- South West Library, Inverclyde
- Wester Hailes Library, Edinburgh
Evidence-Led Libraries: Inspiring Innovation and Creating Communities
Scottish Library & Information Council
Annual General Meeting 2025
