Midlothian library service selected for pioneering ‘Lend and Mend Hub’ project

Gorebridge Library in Midlothian has been selected as one of the first in Scotland to host a ‘Lend and Mend Hub’, as part of a trailblazing pilot project, managed by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).

Helping repair, reuse, rent and upcycle

Building on its current offering, Gorebridge Library will introduce a ‘Lend and Mend Hub’, funded by The John Lewis Partnership’s £1m Circular Future Fund, which will help the local community to repair, reuse, rent and upcycle everyday items, with free access for everyone to keep items in use for longer, rather than them being thrown away.

Hubs across Scotland

Public libraries in Aberdeen, Inverclyde, Perth and South Ayrshire have also been selected to make up a ‘network’ of sustainable, circular hubs across Scotland, due to their wide geographical spread and diverse community reach.

Pioneering proposition

Earlier this year, SLIC’s pioneering ‘Lend and Mend Hubs’ proposition was announced as one of just four UK projects selected to receive funding from the John Lewis Partnership’s Circular Future Fund. 

Funding for equipment, training and space

Having now selected five public library partners, SLIC will use the fund for the equipment, training and space upgrades needed to deliver these promising projects. It is expected SLIC will also support a further three public library ‘Lend and Mend Hubs’ as part of this pilot scheme.

Bringing the community together

Midlothian Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for libraries, Councillor Dianne Alexander, said: “We are very pleased that Gorebridge Library has been chosen to have a Lend and Mend Hub. This is a great opportunity for the community to come together and use the library space in a new and exciting way. Libraries are green by their nature and this project will have real impact and embed Gorebridge Library as a space where people can reuse and repair, and share learning and knowledge.” 

Opening in 2023

It is expected Gorebridge Library will open its ‘Lend and Mend Hub’ for public use in early 2023.