Donate
|
Library Launches the CPL Maker Lab  Inventing the future of the Library Chicago Public Library is preparing to attract a wave of artisans, innovators, explorers and entrepreneurs through the doors of the Harold Washington Library Center with the addition of an Innovation Lab on its third floor. The first installation of the Innovation Lab will be a six month CPL Maker Lab that opens to the public on July 8 and will run through December 31. The Maker Lab is a cutting edge space for builders and creators complete with a variety of design software such as Trimble Sketchup, Inkscape, Meshlab, Makercam and equipment including three 3D Printers, two laser cutters, as well as a milling machine and vinyl cutter. The Maker Lab will serve to nurture experimentation, invention, exploration and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) learning. The space offers something for every “maker” and “tinkerer” to explore. In developing the space and the programs, the Chicago Public Library created an advisory board comprised of City Colleges of Chicago, Northwestern University Department of Mechanical Engineering, Columbia College Chicago, Westport Public Library, Arts Alliance Illinois, San Francisco Children’s Creativity Museum, New York Public Library, Ann Arbor District Library, Pumping Station: One and FreeGeek Chicago. The creation of the Maker Lab is a partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry funded by a selective grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) for $249,999 to the Chicago Public Library Foundation. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is a federal organization whose mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, cultural and civic engagement. IMLS Director, Susan Hildreth said, "We are excited about the Chicago Public Library’s Maker Lab. They are leaders in creating opportunities for community-based learning. Libraries are able to adopt new approaches and use incredible creativity in engaging community members in new ways, becoming fertile spaces for making activities. " The Chicago Public Library has always served as a community resource to help level the playing field for everyone seeking to build a better life. Maker Lab continues this tradition by placing advanced digital and electronic technology at the fingertips of anyone with the will or desire to utilize it. In addition to increasing access to technology, the Maker Lab is also a reflection of the innovation occurring at the Chicago Public Library as a vanguard in the role of public libraries in the digital age. The Maker Lab will be a laboratory that creates opportunity to leverage creative ideas into a physical reality. Members of the community are an essential part of the Maker Lab equation. The Maker Lab will bring people together to learn from one another, encouraging people to tinker together and utilize the space for collaboration. Chicago Public Library’s pathway to launching and organizing the Maker Lab will become a model for libraries across the nation looking to engage their own communities with similar spaces. “We are thrilled to be able to offer Chicagoans the opportunity to learn firsthand new technologies and skills used in today’s manufacturing at the library,” said Commissioner Brian Bannon. “The Maker Lab is the first of several ideas we plan to test over the next few years in the Innovation Lab, as we focus on expanding access to 21st century ideas and information to our communities.” For more information on the CPL Maker Lab hours and workshop schedule, visit www.chipublib.org. |
|
|