The newest addition at the Mary J. Etter Public Library, formerly known as the South Windsor Public Library, is the Makerspace, a room dedicated to projects and creativity.
Audrey Breen, operator of the Makerspace and the library’s emerging technology librarian, created the makerspace to offer librarygoers amenities that might not be ubiquitous, making it easier for them to delve into their hobbies and interests.
“A makerspace is a collaborative space for people to explore other hobbies or things that could be of interest to them, and it is also designed to support entrepreneurs in the way that we can,” Breen said.
The Makerspace is available to anyone 14 years of age or older, though those under 14 can use the space when accompanied by a parent or guardian. It is also equipped with numerous amenities for its clients, including a 3D printer, a sewing machine, a laminator, and a button maker.
To gain access to these machines, one must become familiar with how they work by consulting Breen, where she will provide an explanation of how each machine works.
“You come in, I give you a quick rundown, so that I know you’re not going to break my stuff, and then, you can come in and use it whenever you want,” Breen told The Prowl.
Breen determines if an individual is qualified to utilize the technology, and if they are, they are more than welcome to use the machines during library hours. For those who don’t feel confident using the machines alone, staffed Makerspace hours are also available, giving people the option to get extra help while working on their projects.
Qualification classes are offered every Wednesday at 1:30 in the afternoon at 6:30 at night for individuals to become more familiar with the machines and be comfortable using them on their own.
The Makerspace was made possible through grant funding from Hartford’s Greater Together Community Fund, which allowed the library to purchase much of the new equipment. Breen compared its purpose to that of a traditional library—just as libraries once provided expensive books for free access, they now provide costly technology so the community can explore it without the financial burden.
Students at South Windsor High School are happy to hear of the library’s new addition, as it will enable them to try out new machines that they might not have had access to before. Plus, it gives them a place to explore creativity for their hobbies, interests, or even assignments for classes.
Fatimah Majid, a junior at South Windsor High School, makes this point as she is glad to have a new venue to work on projects.
“I feel like I have more opportunities to visit the library now, because every time I go there, I’d have to request for a study room just to do my hands-on projects, but now that there’s a space created for that individually, I feel like I don’t have to worry about that stuff,” Majid said.
Looking ahead, Breen hopes to expand the Makerspace with a large-format printer, which could help small businesses create professional quality banners or posters. As for future plans, the library’s role as a community resource will only continue to grow for all to access.
