Sunday June 29th, 2014 Summertime Repairs @ Your Library

The summer is, for many car buffs, the ideal time to do all the tinkering and maintenance projects that have been building up over the year. Or it’s an opportunity to work on a side restoration job that has been waiting for a sunny (rainy?) day.

 

The automotive repair manuals formerly located in the Reference area of the Brodie Resource Library are moving to the Reference area of the Waverley Resource Library. This extensive collection contains manuals and wiring diagrams for Chrysler, Ford and GM models, and dates to the 1920s. We are working on a searchable index for this collection that will be available online in the near future. Circulating collections will still be maintained at both locations and can be searched online at mycatalogue.tbpl.ca. Staff can also assist if you are looking for something specific.

 

Did you know that more automotive repair manuals are also available online! The Thunder Bay Public Library provides access to the Auto Repair Reference Centre and the Chilton Auto Repair databases. The Small Engine Repair Reference Center database provides manuals and diagrams for boat motors, tractors, and more. Go to www.tbpl.ca, click on the Sleeping Giant under the Research tab and log in with your library card & PIN.

For me, cars just aren’t a hobby of choice at any time of year. However I did just buy my first house and so home repair is high on the priority list right now! The Library offers a wide variety of home repair, DIY, woodworking, decorating, and outdoor project books that will suit any skill level. Here are a few of the most recent additions to our collection that you might want to check out for help or inspiration:

The Holmes Manual: expert answers to your most common home maintenance questions by Mike Holmes (2014). If you don’t recognize the author, all you have to do is browse the weekly tv listings to find him. This book provides solutions and tips for everyday home issues such as squeaky floors, water heater comparisons, cold rooms, and more. Instructions are geared towards the do it yourself home owner and are paired with colour photos and helpful hints.

Outdoor Wood Projects: 24 projects you can build in a weekend by Steve Cory (2014). This book boasts 24 projects that can each be completed in a two day time frame. Included are things like: planters and window boxes, trellises, outdoor furniture, bamboo garden projects, reclaimed/recycled wood projects such as an Adirondack chair made from wood pallets, and more. Designed for beginners, these projects are inexpensive to make and require only basic tools.


Plumbing: Install & repair your own toilets, faucets, sinks, tubs, showers, drains (2013). As part of the HomeSkills DIY series, this volume can help you to save money and gain valuable knowledge of the plumbing system within your home. With HomeSkills: Plumbing, you’ll gain a full understanding of the what, how, and why of plumbing work, from general theory and descriptions of the typical home plumbing system to detailed information on the most common materials, fittings, and tools. Additional sections include troubleshooting and repair techniques as well as 300 supplementary photos to help along the way.

The only thing left to do at this point is make your to-do list, roll up your sleeves, and get your library card out.

Jesse Roberts