The Saline County Library Benton branch opened its first Makerspace to the public on Saturday, June 23rd. The Makerspace is a place dedicated to allowing people of all ages to create and learn at the library for free.
The library had its soft opening for the Makerspace on Saturday to let patrons come in and see what it was all about before it officially opens on Tuesday, June 26th.
From 3D printers to sewing machines, the Makerspace has a variety of equipment that patrons can use to try out new hobbies such as learning an instrument or even creating a short film.
The library has created a Makerspace to appeal to the community as a whole, but specifically to get the younger generations excited to learn. The vast majority of children in a classroom are kinesthetic learners, meaning they learn best by carrying out physical actions rather than listening to lectures or watching demonstrations. A Makerspace is a great place to give them a hands-on learning experience.
In a Makerspace, teamwork can happen naturally to accomplish goals and complete projects, and it provides students with real problem-solving opportunities that require them to adapt and adjust. It teaches children essential skills such as collaboration, communication, and growth through failure.
“The Makerspace will be a great resource for the community,” said Terry Rulo, Saline County Library IT Systems Coordinator. “Patrons can craft projects, try 3D printing, or use our green screen for photography or film-making.”
The Makerspace will be open on Tuesday nights from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM and on the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Tuesday nights, or “Tinker Tuesdays” will be activity-specific, so one night could have a jewelry-making class while another could be focused on 3D printing. Saturdays will be freestyle days to allow patrons to work with whichever piece of equipment they wish.
Eventually, the library will be accepting reservations so that patrons can work in the Makerspace for a few hours on a day that it isn’t usually open in order to complete a time-sensitive project or to get a project done without distractions.
For more information, including our hours, visit www.SalineCountyLibrary.org or call 501-778-4766.