At the Raymond Village Library - By Sally Holt

What are makerspaces? 

The Library as Incubator Project describes makerspaces as “collaborative learning environments where people come together to share materials and learn new skills…makerspaces are not necessarily born out of a specific set of materials or spaces, but rather a mindset of community partnership, collaboration and creation.” 

Technology appears to be the most talked about component of makerspaces in libraries focusing on 3D printers.

3D printing is a process for making a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down many successive thin layers of a material. To put it simply if my husband wants to make a hammer as long as he has the materials and a 3D printer, within minutes he can “print” out a hammer. Presently, 3D printers are expensive to purchase, but like most technology they may eventually become affordable for people to buy and have in their home.

Makerspaces also involve activities that both teach and empower patrons. Recently many libraries have begun providing opportunities for design and activities that both teach and empower patrons. Learning activities vary wildly from home bicycle repair, to building model airplanes, making films and writing music. 

Two makerspace programs for the month of February at the library include a flower arranging class on February 4, beginning at 6 p.m. taught by Jessica Fay, the owner of the Raymond Village Florist. Jessica will demonstrate how to arrange a bouquet of carnations in a vase. The cost for the class – which includes all the materials, and the vase, which each participant will be able to bring their beautiful arrangement home, is $15.00. We do ask that each person provide their own scissors, or pruners to use for the class and a box to transport their flowers. There will be a sign-up sheet available at the library for those who wish to register. Payment for the class will be due at time of registration. Sign up early, since the class is limited to 15 and Sunday, February 1 is the deadline to register, as the flowers need to be ordered in advance. 

The second makerspace program will be held on Sunday, February 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. You are invited to join us at the Raymond Village Library to knit or crochet a scarf to donate for Breast Cancer. Come and enjoy the company of others in this worthy group effort. If you wish, you may bring a favorite pattern to share. We have pink yarn and some knitting needles and crochet hooks or you may bring your own. You may bring your project home in order to finish it. If you need more information, call the library at 655-4283.

If you still haven’t learned to knit this winter, there is time because Georgette Ouellette is back to teach a beginner’s knitting class on Thursday evenings beginning February 12^th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is an 8-week course and the cost of the class is $50. Please call the library at 655-4283 for additional information.