News
March 1, 2016
Burlington’s First Public Makerspace Opens March 6
Burlington Public Library launches a creative hub
Libraries have always been places of learning, imagination, and discovery—and on Sunday, March 6, 1.30-4pm, at Central branch, Burlington Public Library launches the community’s first public makerspace, Ideaworks Studio, an area dedicated to creativity, innovation, and learning life skills through hands-on experiences. The community is invited to an afternoon of free maker activities and demonstrations following the official ‘ribbon cutting’ at 1.30-1.45pm.
“Burlington is the latest community to join the global makerspace movement,” says library chief executive officer Maureen Barry. “Ideaworks Studio offers local residents the chance to access and learn how to use specialized tools and technology that can ultimately lead to invention and entrepreneurship.”
According to Barry, a makerspace is a place where people create, invent, learn together, and build skills for life. Libraries around the world are home to these vibrant learning and innovation hubs for co-creation.
“Makerspaces are one of the best ways to learn the skills that are essential today and for the future,” says Barry. “People in our community are asking us for more opportunities for creative expression and to learn life skills.”
Twenty-first century skills/literacies—such as problem solving, team work, critical thinking, initiative, self-direction, adaptability, productivity, and math, technical and design skills—are important to daily living. Responding to the need for programs based in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, Ideaworks Studio maker programs use:
- Vinyl cutter
- 3D printer
- Knitting machines
- Sewing machines
- Drawing tablets
- Weaving loom
- Green screen
- Negative/photo scanner
- VHS to DVD converter
- Basic robotics activities, such as Cubelets
- Basic circuit activities, such as Snap Circuits, Little Bits
Barry adds that local citizens play an important part in how Ideaworks Studio will grow and evolve. Maker programs for seniors, high school co-op and volunteer opportunities, and partnerships with community makers are all in the works with more to come based on input from Burlington residents.
“This is a community-led initiative all the way,” says Barry. “It’s exciting to think that for Burlington citizens, this space may be the spark that ignites inspiration and discovery, and fuels a lifelong passion for learning.”
For more information:
- Ideaworks Studio Grand Opening: www.bpl.on.ca/ideaworks-studio
- About Ideaworks Studio @Central: www.bpl.on.ca/explore/crafts-maker
Media Release Burlington Public Library