This Saturday, October 18th marks the beginning of a new era at the Levittown Public Library. After a year of planning and months of renovations, our Innovation Station will be officially open to the public! This amazing space is the result of teamwork, dedication, and careful planning. My colleagues and I could not be more excited for our patrons to get in there and imagine, create, and innovate!
Before I go any further, there is an obvious question: What is an Innovation Station? Fair enough. An Innovation Station is the name we have given to what is commonly known as a MakerSpace. A MakerSpace is a community center that offers a variety of technologies and equipment that are meant to turn creativity into action, foster the sharing of ideas, and encourage learning by doing. The Maker Movement is a thriving culture, with a magazine and yearly Maker Faire dedicated to teaching the DIY approach.
A MakerSpace can take form in many ways and offer technologies that run the gamut from low to high. The LPL’s Innovation Station—much like the LPL itself—is all about mixing the cutting edge with the traditional. The following is an inventory of the machines and equipment currently offered:
- MakerBot 3D Printer and Scanner
- iMacs
- Cricut Machine
- Ellison Die Cut Machine
- Kitchen (not available for private individuals)
- Sewing Machine
- Embroidery Machine
- 3D Doodler
- littleBits
- Button Maker
Please consult the Innovation Station Policy and Procedures for Use to learn more about the why and how of this new room. Reservations can made through our online calendar.
However, first things first: let’s have some fun! We have big plans for our Grand Opening Celebration, including: an official ribbon cutting ceremony; a “digital petting zoo,” showcasing the LPL’s many gadgets and gizmos (Nooks, iPads, tablets, etc.); a baking demonstration, complete with free goodies; and several demonstrations and programs offering hands-on experience with our new equipment. For a full schedule of events, please consult our homepage.
If you think about it, libraries have always been incubators for inspiration and groundbreaking revelations; you can come here to gather information, research theories and formulate the kind of ideas that can change the landscape of our world (or at least help you to better understand Trigonometry or figure out how to build a carburetor). Beginning this Saturday, the Levittown Public Library will go a step beyond serving as the starting point of an idea; from now on, you can come here to bring that idea to life. The fun begins this Saturday, October 18th at 10 a.m. We hope to see you there!
Happy Reading and Innovating,
Jess