The Ainsworth Public Library held an Open House on December 3rd with the Library Innovation Studio. Seventy plus people watched live demonstrations on each Makerspace piece and saw how they work. A sample of items that you might make with the equipment was also shared. The Makerspace includes a Vinyl Cutter, Heat Press, Sewing/Embroidery Machine, Laser Cutter, CNC Router, 3D Printer, Music Recording Kit, Camera/Video and Green Screen, Lego Mindstorm, Ardunio, Sparkfun, and Soldering Iron. People of all ages had fun playing on the Makey Makey and making the bananas or play dough make music. Another favorite stop was the Button Maker where people got to make a button for themselves. People were able to sign up for training on the piece that they wanted to learn about. Library staff is in the process of setting up different training times for all the equipment. We do have a CorelDraw Software Class set for Dec. 14th from 6-8 p.m. Please call the Library (387-2032) if you would like to attend it.
Attendees were able to put their name in the drawing for a special prize. Bev Painter won the drawing for a T-Shirt to use on the Heat Press.
Library Innovation Studios (Makerspacers) hosted by public libraries will help to support community engagement and participatory learning experiences by providing access to technological and innovative learning tools not readily accessible locally. This strengthening of the maker culture in Nebraska communities is expected to stimulate creativity, innovation, and the exchange of ideas to facilitate entrepreneurship, skills development, and local economic development. The Nebraska Library Commission along with partners University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Innovation Studio, Nebraska Extension, and the Regional Library Services in Nebraska are excited to start the first rounds of the Makerspace in Nebraska libraries with the $530,732 National Leadership Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This Innovation Studio will be at the Ainsworth Public Library through the first week in April. Please stop in and see what all the excitement is about!
