COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SPECIAL MEETING OF COUNTY COUNCIL

Tuesday, July 13, 2021

MOTION NO. 7

MOTION: Councillor Carly Bailey 

That this Council will conduct a feasibility study and work with the appropriate SPC(s) to look at the setting up of at least one Library of Things and Repair Cafe in the county.

REPORT:

Libraries in other countries have set up a Library of Things, where members of the public can borrow additional items from their library or have use of them in the library, for example, tools, sewing machines and other items. This idea could be explored with the joint Arts and Economic SPCs. Currently in South Dublin Libraries, in additional to books and other materials, we loan out toys, especially sensory toys and equipment for people with additional needs for both adults and children. We are also currently investing in Acorn tablets for lending to older people through the Age Friendly Programme and also residents in nursing homes. The tablets will be preloaded with access to library online resource materials.

The Environmental Awareness Office has recently started to plan for the establishment of Repair Cafés as soon as Covid restrictions have been lifted.

Working with the Rediscovery Centre and other repair professionals these events would allow members of the public to bring furniture, bicycles and clothes among other items to a central location to be repaired.

In the meantime the council continues to promote reuse through Repairmystuff.ie, an online directory of repair professionals and services across the country. We also promote and hold events as part National Reuse Month in October.