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The article discusses the use of repair events hosted by libraries to reduce waste and acquire new library patrons from the community. Topics include the ability of repair clinics to teach patrons to repair broken items and inspire them to learn more about products they consume and how they work, the use of Repair Cafes and Fixit Clinics to connect libraries with their surrounding communities, and the use of the repair events to build sustainable societies.

The article presents several ways libraries can adapt to change and stay relevant to users in the years following the global financial crisis of 2008 and 2009. The author addresses what he calls "library fitness" in light of the 150th anniversary of the book "The Origin of Species" by Charles Darwin, which presents the theory of the survival of the fittest. The twelve steps to library fitness include emphasizing local communities, engaging library users, and finding and solving problems. Other topics include ideas discussed in the books "Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits," by Leslie Crutchfield and "How the Mighty Fall," by Jim Collins.

Focuses on the Virtual Village Communication Center of the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in Charlotte, North Carolina. Description of the renovated technical-services space, which has workstations using high-speed T1 Internet connections and general office-productivity software; Background on the computer lab and how it was designed to give the entire community access to computer technology, information, instruction, and services; Author's views on usage of the computer stations and assistive technologies for the disabled.