The event provides an opportunity for anyone to bring in a broken or worn item to get fixed or mended. Volunteer repair experts assess items and fix them for free, provided they have the needed materials on hand. Lamps, clothing, toys, chairs, and small appliances were some of the most common items fixed at previous events. Those interested are encouraged to register online.

The volunteers, who provide a wide range of skills, focus on teaching guests how to make their own repairs with the hope of instilling more confidence and curiosity in repair culture. “Part of our goals is to shift people’s mindset to be more about repair and less about automatically throwing something away,” said Jennifer New, one of the co-organizers.

IC Repair (formerly Iowa City Repair Café) is organized by “Transition Iowa City” and co-sponsored by the City of Iowa City, Iowa City ReStore, LENA Project, and University of Iowa Office of Sustainability and the Environment.

Recycling for electronic cords, cell phones, and batteries will be available at this event at no cost for residents of Johnson County, Kalona, and Riverside.

The April repair event is the second of four the group will host in 2024, with others occurring on the third weekends in July and October. Organizers intend to keep certain repair stations available at each event, especially small electronics and sewing, while others will change seasonally. The April event includes lawn mower and bike repairs, as well as short demonstrations, such as canning basics and cast iron restoration, to encourage people to try these skills at home.

Repairing and maintaining belongings is a vital skill, and IC Repair is grateful for the numerous experts volunteering their talent, time, and ability to transfer knowledge. Fixing items saves money while also diverting waste from the landfill and shrinking our carbon footprint.