Quick Answer

The most reliable long-term source of Mending is a librarian villager trade. Use an unlocked villager and a lectern, reroll the first enchanted book trade until Mending appears, then buy it once to lock the trade.

Prep Checklist

Item or ConditionPurpose
Villager without a locked jobCan become a librarian
LecternAssigns the librarian profession
Emeralds and booksPays for enchanted books
Secure roomPrevents zombies, raids, and wandering
Bed and lightKeeps the village area stable

Version settings can matter. If your world uses villager trade rebalance experiments, check the current biome and profession rules before building a permanent hall.

Rolling the Trade

StepActionKey Point
1Put the villager in a safe roomDo not let it wander or die
2Place the lecternConfirm librarian trades appear
3Break and replace the lectern if neededOnly works before you trade
4Buy Mending once when it appearsThis locks the trade
5Build emerald incomePaper, crops, or iron routes all work

Do not buy a different trade while rerolling. Once you trade, that villager’s profession and offers are locked.

Safe Trading Room

RiskFix
Zombies reach the villagerUse fences, trapdoors, or sealed access
Villager escapesTrade through a one-block window
Creeper damageLight the area and avoid outdoor trading
Villager links to wrong stationKeep lecterns close and remove extra job blocks