North Park Library is creating a new space for the community called Discovery Lab, a makerspace to ignite the imagination, give access to specialized equipment, and help build a community of idea makers. A makerspace is a place in which people with shared interests can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. We are taking that to the next level, where participants will learn new skills through programs and classes all at no cost. The lab will go from a No Tech area for our smallest patrons to start their journey of discovery to hands on areas of arts, crafts, fiber technology, engineering, woodshop, digital media, robotics, gaming, and 3D design.
The No Tech area will hold a Lego® building wall, a magnetic wall, ramp construction sets, Lincoln logs, and MagFormers Tileblox for early imaginative learning. The special purchase of a wind tunnel where even toddlers will be able to see and connect the concept of force. This area will be a space for the youngest makers to explore STEAM through storytime programs and then independent play with the subject matter.
The space will progress to simple craft supplies, such as markers, construction paper, playdough, glue, and scissors. Also offering art supplies such as paints, canvas, and all the tools needed to create a work of art. We will host programs like Artist in Me where we will showcase books about artist and then recreate a work of art or host an artist to come in and teach their craft to older participants.
The next area of Discovery Lab will hold Fiber Arts to showcase one of the counties longest industries textiles. From crochet, quilting, and simple sewing to sewing machines. We will also teach dying techniques, and design. We will have Circuit cutters and vinyl press to create more appeal or products for the budding learners. Programming will be across all these fields and will also give cosplay tutorials for the more adventurous crafters.
Advance to the engineering area where we will hold a lot of cardboard and wood. We will have Makedo SCRU sets for designing structures for the younger participants for cardboard construction and some basic kits like Keva Planks, erector sets, and simple machine kits. With these kits we will host programs from bridge building to ship construction, pine wood derby to rocket design. For older participants we will have basic tools like hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, measuring tapes, to electric tools like drills and sanders. We will have programs where participants can learn how to build simple structures like bird houses or bat boxes. To How-to programs hosted by construction professionals to teach people how to fix or design simple household items.
Digital Media is a big thing now and we want help interested patrons learn how to use and create content. This area will need computers and computer software like Power Director, Abode Premier, or VideoPad, headphones, and microphones for how-to programs from using your phone or computer to create, edit, and upload digital content. Photography tutorials where patrons using their own equipment can learn how to get the best images through the teaching of a professional photographer. The patron will also be able to create original music with an Akai professional lpk25 keyboard and the LPK25 Editor software. We will also be able to create content for the library with these technologies.
Electronics and Robotic is a hot job for the millennial generation with game systems becoming more advanced and robotics being integrated into many industries. We will give even the youngest participants the ability to learn how to code and create with Dash and Dot robots and Code-a-pillar. The middle grade and up can learn how to create their own circuit boards and games with the Makey Makey STEM pack and Tinkercad software, engaging them with plenty of hands-on circuitry projects to help them boost their creativity skills. We will host programs from paper circuits and conductivity labs to robotic creations. We will also have game consoles for game nights and VR headset for experiencing the newest form of gaming.
Finally, we will have our 3D design area that will use the same computers from other areas of Discovery Lab to design and create 3D creations. Using Tinkercad software and our Flashforge 3D printers we will teach the basics of dimensional designing. We will also host more advance nights where makers from the area will be able to come together to work on projects and problem solve issues they are having with their design concepts. The younger designers will be able to experience insta ready designs with our 3D Doodle pens.
In conclusion, our Discovery Lab will be a benefit to our community through teaching basic problem-solving skills through creative programs, facilitating ideas, innovation and encouraging patrons to think outside the box. By offering these collaborative programs, we are creating learning experiences that will help patrons connect concepts they have learned in our programs to real-world applications and build perseverance, “failure is a lesson not an end” to inspires further investigation and learning.