Find your makerspace |
Libraries go beyond books to engage the community
Want to hem your pants or decorate a jean jacket with embroidery? How about using a 3-D printer to create a stake to decorate your garden this summer or using a laser cutter to make an engraved wooden bookmark?
All of these projects and many more are available at the Indian Prairie Public Library in Darien which, in 2021, became one of the libraries in the Chicago area offering a makerspace.
While they vary in what they offer, a makerspace is generally described as physical space that offers a range of equipment such as electronic equipment, software, a woodshop and/or machine shop, a crafting space, and other tools that patrons, either working alone or in a group, can use to create whatever items they may envision.
As libraries seek to keep patrons engaged, exploring their talents and pursuing their interests, all while using library space, makerspaces have become places where people are gathering to learn, do DIY projects or to accomplish a task that they don’t have the right tools to do at home.
Take Maria Garcia as an example. She was at the Indian Prairie library recently sewing elastic into the legs of her pajama bottoms so she won’t trip over them.
“I can’t afford all of these machines. I can’t afford even one of them,” says the 64-year-old who lives in Darien.
She has also visited the space previously for other projects such as making campaign-style buttons with colorful graphics and coasters.
Exploring talents
Encouraging people to complete a DIY project or discover a talent are some of the goals of makerspaces, says Laura Scott, adult services manager at the Park Ridge Public Library.
“I think it’s nice to give people the tools to be creative. It’s a great way for them to explore their talents,” says Scott who notes that one patron recently used a laser cutter to make personalized backpacks as favors for a child’s birthday party.
The Park Ridge library’s makerspace, which is called The Studio, opened in 2019. The tools and machines in the studio have a range of functions to help patrons work on nearly any project.
The equipment includes a Silhouette Cameo 3 that that can cut over 100 materials including paper, cardstock, vinyl and fabric, a Cricut that can make a wide variety of crafts including custom T-shirts, greeting cards and stickers, a die cut machine that enables users to easily punch out shapes, a heat press and a Janome Magnolia 7330 sewing machine that enables users to create with 30 decorative stitches.
The Janome Magnolia 7330 is an expensive machine. It sells for $599 on the company website.
Trying out tools
Just as Garcia notes, cost is another reason why patrons are using maker spaces.
“You don’t have to go out and buy your own sewing machine,” says Arcadia McCauley, who handles marketing and public relations for the La Grange Public Library. “You can use one at the
library.”
A makerspace is a good way to use equipment for a one-off project or because you’re interested in test driving it and may decide to purchase it later, she adds.
The library recently received a grant that it used to purchase 11 Janome Magnolia 7318 sewing machines. Ten of the machines are for use at the library and one is available to check out.
McCauley says her library’s makerspace is also part of a bigger trend happening at libraries which are getting involved in offering other more out-of-the-ordinary items for people to check out such as a sewing machine, telescopes or ukuleles.
“We have 10 ukuleles that patrons can check out,” McCauley says. “Ukuleles are one of the easier stringed instruments for people to learn so there has been a lot of interest in that.”
She says that libraries are offering these items because patrons want them.
“There is a demand for these types of things, along with books and other materials,” McCauley says.
Don’t forget digital
The La Grange library also has a digital media lab called Studio 10 West, which contains professional level equipment for video and sound production, and a range of editing software. The purpose of the studio is to allow patrons to produce and edit superior quality video, audio and photos. It also includes such elements as a green screen, microphones, work stations with writing software and access to such programs as Photoshop and InDesign.
The studio has been used by patrons for such endeavors as recording musical performances and sending digital holiday cards.
If you are unsure about how to use the tools in a makerspace, one way to learn is to take part in a class. The libraries offer group programs and classes to help people learn to use the tools.
The Park Ridge library is planning on adding an employee who will be stationed in the space to run classes and help patrons.
“We want to have a devoted employee for the space because we want to offer more classes and programs,” Scott says.
Some requirements
It’s a good idea to check out what the rules are for using these spaces before visiting them.
The Studio at the Park Ridge library is available for use by Park Ridge library card holders 14 and older. Before they can use the space, they are required to undergo an orientation, which takes less than an hour to complete.
The makerspace at the Indian Prairie Public Library is open for use by library card holders or students who attend schools in the area who are age 8 and up. They do not have to be accompanied by an adult.
Makerspace aficionado
Garcia, who enjoys the options at Indian Prairie library, says she has become an avid user of the space. She likes working alongside others working on their own projects and is always inspired by what she sees others creating.
“I’ve become a poster child for this space,” she says. “We love learning from each other and it’s beautiful to see the ideas that come out of here.”