Meet the Milwaukee woman stitching community together through free mending inside the Washington Park library

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — The Washington Park branch of the Milwaukee Public Library is filled with all sorts of tales — but since January, a different kind of story has been taking shape.

Not one stitched together with words, but with thread.

Every first and third Tuesday of the month from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m., you can find Carol Lee Hopkins at a table front and center near the library’s entrance.

At her feet is a bag filled with tools and fabric scraps.

And in front of her is a white sewing machine and a line of waiting people, holding various items of clothing.

From torn coats to frayed seams to small holes, Hopkins is ready to carefully mend and repair items back together, all free of charge.

“I thought that would be a really good way for me to do something kind for people in my community,” Hopkins told CBS 58’s Ellie Nakamoto-White, noting she’s lived in the Washington Heights neighborhood for decades. “For me, it’s very meditative.”

Anyone is welcome to stop by.

She had the idea months ago, but the program didn’t start until January.

Coincidentally, at the same time, Suzanne Pritzlaff, the branch’s adult services librarian, was also searching for someone like Carol for a mending repair cafe.

“You know, I think that’s really what we’re all about here at the library, is providing resources, and that’s another resource we’re providing,” Pritzlaff said. “The fact of the matter is, many of us don’t have a lot of extra money to go out and buy something if we just have a little tear or whatever.”

For visitors like Heather Freeman, who brought in a coat with a big tear, the service is not only practical but meaningful.

“I was like, oh, that’s a perfect opportunity to see if it can be saved, because I don’t sew,” Freeman said. “I think it’s great she does this, and it’s really helpful.”

Even though the program has only been around for a short period of time, both Hopkins and Pritzlaff are surprised by how popular it has become.

“How do you promote something like this?” Hopkins said. “It feels good to be able to help people, to be able to use something I know how to do.”

She learned the skills from her mother, a professional seamstress, and is now hoping to pass them along to anyone eager to learn.

“For me, it’s very meditative, the troubles kind of melt away for a while,” Hopkins said. “It’s so easy to be kind.”