Maker Space Promises "Fun and Exploration"

NEBRASKA CITY – Training is underway at Morton-James Public Library for the  by the Nebraska Library Commission’s Library Innovation Studio.

Library Director Donna Kruse said volunteers are taking classes this week to learn equipment such as the universal laser cutter, Carvey Inventables CNC router, vinyl cutter and textile heat press.

When the training is complete, the volunteers and library staff will be able to organize training sessions for the public.

Amanda Sweet of the library commission says it’s an important step for Maker Space partners.

Sweet: “We’re training people how to use the machines. We are training both librarians and community members how to learn and then teach other people how to use the equipment.”

A class Tuesday focused on the CNC router and Makerbot replicator printer.

 

Sweet: “This 3-D printer, at its heart, it makes little 3D objects like that.”

Sweet: “Some people walk in, they see the 3D printer and they know exactly what they want to do with it and other people, they have never seen one before, and they want to know what it’s all about so they start using the machine. They learn how it works and what you do with it and the ideas just start happening.”

Equipment available includes tools for soldering, embroidery and button making. The Maker Space gives the library an understanding of what the public is interested in and perhaps a goal of purchasing a machine of its own.

Sweet: “Right now technology is moving a whole lot faster than we probably all like, so it kind of helps people to get exposed to the new, to these different skills and technology options and then people can practice using the different tools.”

She said people stopping by the Maker Space can expect fun and exploration.