Brews and Screws patrons learn in a socially conducive environment

By Justin Seward on July 26, 2022.

The newly-formed Lethbridge Tool Library hosted its inaugural Brews and Screws РRepair Caf̩ event at Theoretically Brewing on Saturday.

The event allowed for volunteers to fix broken goods that people brought in.

“We figured we’re the kind of organization full of people who love fixing things,” said Brendan Hood, LTL founding board member.

“Most of us have access to fixing tools. So we thought, ‘hey why not bring it to Lethbridge, give it a shot, see what the uptake is and then go from there’ and so far everybody we’ve seen has been really happy with what we’ve been able to do.”

Anything from a laptop to an antique jewelry box was brought in for repair.

“This is an event where we can bring the community together to show them what we’re trying to do as an organization – getting the Lethbridge Tool Library off the ground,” said Hood.

“A place where people can bring small items in need of repair to us – use some of our tools, use our expertise. We can help you fix; we can fix it for you, really just a lot of good community engagement for people.”

Hood was so happy that Theoretically Brewing partnered with LTL.

“The brewery is ideal for us because people can sit down, have a pint, chat, really have the social aspect and help people sort of learn more. You have that focus on learning and give us space to really do that and a brewery is just a great conducive social environment for that.”

The hope is to do an event similar to this one more frequently with more seasonal focuses.

“Right now we’re in the planning stages of winterizing your power equipment,” he said.

“Where people can bring their lawn mowers or weed whackers, things they’re getting ready to put away for winter, and people like myself who work a lot on small engines can walk you through the process of getting it put away for winter. So when you pull it in spring time, it starts for you.”

Hood hopes that this service can extend the longevity of the possessions that people have.

“Inflation and everything is really getting to people’s pockets,” he said.

“So we’re trying to help people have the ability to both learn to repair stuff and then with the Tool Library as we’re working to build that, give people the opportunity to have access to tools that they might not otherwise have, be it because of space requirements or natural requirements.

A dozen people attended the event.

“Which is a great first start and I really think as word spreads, you know ‘hey we were able to fix this’, our future events will be much more attended,” said Hood.