Fixit Clinics are free workshops where people bring broken stuff—from bikes to blenders to blazers—and volunteer coaches share their tools and know-how to help troubleshoot and (hopefully) repair items. These meet-ups build hands-on skills, confidence, community, and a culture of reuse and repair.

The City of Boston Environment Department is partnering with the West End Branch of the Boston Public Library to host one of these events. This special Fixit Clinic Junior is for children ages 6-12 years old!

REGISTER YOUR ITEM

Volunteer

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

• A broken gadget, small appliance, computer, toy, textile good, or other item

• Useful tools and parts, if you have them

• A description of what’s wrong and anything you’ve tried to fix it

• A desire to learn and share your knowledge!

Join the BPL and the North End Community to celebrate civic love!

Attendees will be paired with one stranger and will ask each other a series of 36 pre-created questions, ranging from “Who was your most memorable teacher in school?” to “Who is an unsung hero in your community?” These conversations are aimed at connecting with and getting to know your neighbors and community.

The civic love celebration doesn’t end there! The BPL will also provide postcard “valentines” that participants can use to write to their local community organizations and elected officials about anything important to them.

Inspired by The National Public Housing Museum’s 36 Questions for Civic Love program, this event is designed to connect strangers and strengthen relationships between neighbors, BPL patrons, and your community.

What is Civic Love?

The National Public Housing Museum defines civic love as “one’s love for society, expressed through a commitment to the common good. It is a belief in the idea that we’re all better off, when we are all better off. We manifest it through all kinds of actions — volunteering, marching, speaking against systemic injustice, making reparations — but the love itself is the emotional heart of the work.”