Got a broken chair, a torn shirt, a video game system that isn’t working quite, right? Don’t toss it, fix it! 

Join UTA Libraries’ Creative Spaces and Services and the Office of Sustainability for the Fix It Fair on Thursday, Oct. 23. This all-day event is focused on sustainability, problem-solving, and the satisfaction of bringing something back to life. It will take place from noon to 6 p.m. in the Central Library and will span three of our hands-on spaces: the C.R.E.A.T. Studio, the Shop Room, and the Textiles Area in the FabLab. 

Whether it’s electronics, woodwork, or fabric repairs, the Fix It Fair invites Mavericks to give new life to the things they already own and learn something new in the process. 

“We all have something sitting around at home that’s broken, but we can’t bring ourselves to throw it away because we plan to fix it someday,” said John Pointer, FabLab Coordinator. “The Fix It Fair is that day. We have the tools, knowledge, and community to help people get started, and maybe even finish their repairs right here.” 

Fixing with Purpose 

The Fix It Fair is part of UTA’s Sustainability Month, a campus-wide initiative promoting mindful consumption and environmentally conscious practices. The event came about through a collaboration with Grant Amlani, Sustainability Program Manager. “Grant approached us to see if we had ideas for Sustainability Month, and when we suggested the Fix It Fair, he loved it. It’s a joint effort between the Office of Sustainability and Creative Spaces and Services,” Pointer said. 

At its heart, the Fix It Fair is about more than repairs; it’s about rethinking our relationship with the things we own. 

Pointer adds, “You don’t have to throw things away when they break. Repairing what you already have saves money, reduces waste, and keeps another item from being manufactured unnecessarily.” 

Josh Richey, FabLab Shop Room Technician, agrees. “People are so used to buying something new,” he said. “But what if you didn’t? What if you could fix it, and learn how to do it yourself?” 

What Can You Bring? 

Almost anything can be brought to the Fix It Fair. People are encouraged to bring electronics, furniture, or textile items in need of some TLC. 

In the Shop Room, you might see a wooden chair worked on or a cutting board resurfaced, giving it a second life. However, before any project in the Shop Room starts, individuals must undergo safety training. 

Over in the C.R.E.A.T. Studio, staff are ready to help with small electronics like laptops, video game systems, or controllers. At the same time, the Textiles Area in the FabLab can handle everything from clothing repairs to sewing new buttons or patching holes. 

Carissa Knitowski, FabLab Coordinator, shares that participants often bring fabric items with holes, broken seams, or missing buttons. “People are doing a lot of alterations right now, fixing clothes that don’t fit, resewing seams, replacing buttons, or repairing hats with new Velcro,” she says. “There’s a real sense of accomplishment.” 

Items that staff cannot bring to the Fix It Fair: health or medical equipment, safety equipment such as harnesses or helmets, and car parts. However, staff can only assess cosmetic car parts for possible repairs. Additionally, any items brought to the Fix It Fair are subject to refusal if Libraries staff determine that attempting the repair poses a danger to themselves or others. All participants will be required to sign a waiver before using any tools or attempting repairs. 

Learn, Connect, Repair 

The Fix It Fair isn’t just about fixing things; it’s about building a community of makers and problem-solvers. Participants can consult with staff about their projects, learn how to use specialized tools, and even meet others with the skills or experience to help. 

“Hopefully, it becomes a networking event,” Pointer said. “Someone might come in with a broken lamp, and someone else knows how to fix it. That’s how new connections are made.” 

The event is free to attend, with only minimal costs for certain machine rentals or materials used during repairs. 

Beyond the Fair 

Even after the Fix It Fair wraps up, the tools, spaces, and expertise remain available year-round. The FabLab and C.R.E.A.T. Studio are open to all Mavericks looking to tinker, build, design, or repair. 

“This event is just a spotlight on what we do every day,” Richey said. “We’re always here to help people figure things out, whether a quick fix or a bigger project that takes a few visits.” 

So, bring in that wobbly stool, that hoodie with a missing zipper, or that video game system that needs a little attention. The Fix It Fair on Thursday, Oct. 23, is your chance to save something from the landfill, learn a new skill, and walk away with the satisfaction of saying; I fixed that myself.