Uncover New Skills at the Library!
Learn and be inspired by the unique opportunities available at the Discovery Lab in the North Park Library.
A makerspace is a place in which people with shared interests can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge.
We have things for all ages:
No Tech/Low Tech
The No Tech/Low Tech area holds a Lego® building wall, a magnetic wall, ramp construction sets, Lincoln logs, and MagFormers Tileblox for early imaginative learning. The special purchase of a wind tunnel where even toddlers will be able to see and connect the concept of force. This area will be a space for the youngest makers to explore STEAM through storytime programs and then independent play with the subject matter.
Arts & Crafts
The craft sections hosts a variety of opportunities and supplies for all ages, such as markers, construction paper, playdough, glue, scissors, paints, canvas, and all the tools needed to create a work of art. We will host programs like Artist in Me where we will showcase books about artists and work to recreate their art or host an artist to come in and teach their craft to older participants.
Fiber Art
To honor our local textile heritage, this section will showcase crochet, quilting, and simple sewing to sewing machines. We will also teach dying techniques, and design. We will have Circuit cutters and vinyl press to create more appeal or products for
the budding learners. Programming will be across the all these fields and will also give cosplay tutorials for the more adventurous crafters.
Engineering & Woodshop
Advance to the engineering area where we will hold a lot of cardboard and wood. For younger participants, we will have Makedo SCRU sets for designing structures for cardboard construction and some basic kits like Keva Planks, erector sets, and simple machine kits. With these kits we will host programs from bridge building to ship construction, pine wood derby to rocket design. For older participants we will have basic tools like hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, measuring tapes, to electric tools like drills and sanders. We will have programs where participants can learn how to build simple structures like bird houses or bat boxes. To How-to programs hosted by construction professional to teach people how to fix or design simple household items.
Gaming, Robotics & Electronics
Electronics and Robotic is a hot job for the millennial generation with game systems becoming more advanced and robotics being integrated into many industries. We will give even the youngest participants the ability to learn how to code and create with Dash and Dot robots and Code-a-pillar. The middle grade and up can learn how to create their own circuit boards and games with the Makey Makey STEM pack and Tinkercad software, engaging them with plenty of hands-on circuitry projects to help them boost their creativity skills. We will host programs from paper circuits and conductivity labs to robotic creations. We will also have game consoles for game nights and VR headset for experiencing the newest form of gaming.
Digital Media
Digital Media is a big thing now and we want help interested patrons learn how to use and create content. This area will have computers and computer software like Power Director, Abode Premier, or VideoPad, headphones, and microphones for how-to programs from using your phone or computer to create, edit, and upload digital content. Photography tutorials where patrons using their own equipment can learn how to get the best images through the teaching of a professional photographer. Patrons will also be able to create original music with an Akai professional lpk25 keyboard and the LPK25 Editor software.
3D Design
Using Tinkercad software and our Flashforge 3D printers we will teach the basics of dimensional designing. We will also host more advance nights where makers from the area will be able to come together to work on projects and problem solve issues they are having with their design concepts. The younger designers will be able to experience insta-ready designs with our 3D Doodle pens.