Just over eight months have passed since The Studio opened at the Winnetka Public Library and the new “makerspace” is still as popular as ever with patrons of all ages.
“We get so much use out of it and that has been exciting to see,” said Shauna Porteus, Head of Adults Services.
Some may be scratching their heads over the term makerspace, which has become a bit of a buzzword in library and education circles in the past few years. So what does it mean? It’s basically a term for do-it-yourself spaces where people can gather to create, invent and learn using tools they wouldn’t necessarily have at home.
The Winnetka Library’s makerspace ranges from cutting edge technology such as 3D printers and a laser engraver to large tables with cutting mats for crafty patrons to work on projects. The Studio boasts Adobe Creative Cloud software, large format printing, vinyl cutters, a custom embroidery machine, and even classic paint and canvases.
The Staffileno family donated money to the library in memory of Constance Staffileno with the stipulation that it must be used for something that included the arts and open to the public.
“Constance was a major library supporter and loved the arts,” Porteus explained.
The library staff brainstormed and over time came up with the idea of a makerspace. Extensive research was done and staff toured other libraries and museums to see how other organizations had developed these spaces. In creating The Studio, the library sought to expand its reach within the community.
“I think these makerspaces bring in a whole new audience,” Porteus said.
For example, one category of library patrons was the “weekend dad,” namely fathers who came in for brief periods on the weekends to pick out a book. Porteus noted that with The Studio these dads now come in for hours at a time, working on projects with their children and taking classes. “We’ve engaged this patron with a new service. It’s been really exciting to see this,” she said.
Initially the library was uncertain who would utilize the space the most. As it turns out, it is extremely popular across the ages. Porteus estimated that its users are about 60% adults and 40% children. “We are just slammed all of the time,” she said.
The most popular machines are the 3-D printer, laser cutter and embroidery machine. When the equipment was acquired, the librarians took classes by the manufacturers to become trained in how to use them. A librarian is always in the room to help patrons with the equipment.
The Studio is open to the public for patrons to drop in during the day, but the library also offers an array of programming for kids and adults. For example, 3-D printing classes are offered where patrons can learn how to make an iPhone case or cookie cutter. Other classes teach sewing or how to engrave a cheese board with the laser engraver.
While the new space and technology are exciting, Porteus acknowledged that the library will never move away from its core service that patrons cherish: books. But the library views one of its missions as engaging as many people in the community as possible.
“It is clear that this sort of innovative space belongs in the library. I think of it as a highly collaborative community space. If you think of that as your mission this space totally works,” Porteus said.