Welcome to the Workshop, We’ve Got Fun and Games (and Crafts)

Cook Memorial Public Library District (CMPLD) is constantly evolving to provide a multitude of different resources ranging from reading clubs to needlework classes all the way to tech workshops. If you’ve stopped by the library recently, you may have noticed the room that formerly housed the Library’s Digital Studio has a fresh coat of paint. We have an exciting new use for it. The new room will be the library’s new makerspace! After months of hard work, we are proud to announce the official opening of CMPLD’s makerspace, which we are calling The Workshop!

Don’t know what a makerspace is exactly? Don’t worry, neither did most of us working here at CMPLD. Simply put, a makerspace is a collaborative work space where patrons can use high tech or no tech tools to try out new technologies, share and explore new ideas, or just make something new and creative! Makerspaces have been popping up in a number of libraries and schools and have proved to be a successful way for all different age groups to create. In keeping with the library’s mission statement of connecting our “diverse community to resources and experiences that educate, enrich, and inspire,” we’ve been working hard to get the Workshop ready for you!

Starting on January 12th, 2019, you will be able to access the workshop during open lab hours on Saturday mornings from 9am to 1pm downstairs by the Teen Zone at Cook Park. Along with our new Workshop, CMPLD is proud to introduce you to our newest Technology Aide, Ryan May, who will be available to answer questions and assist you with any of the equipment. In addition to open lab hours, the Workshop will also play host to a variety of programs for teens and adults. Teen classes range from getting a chance to try out our virtual reality headsets at Virtual Reality Reset (January 18th, 6-9PM) to a mitten making and decorating class called Sew-It-Yourself Mittens (January 24th, 6-8:30PM). Adults are welcome to stop by during open lab hours to learn about 3D printing and everything else the Workshop has to offer. 

Equipment available to use in the Workshop:

• Lulzbot 3D printer

• Silhouette Portrait 2 Vinyl Cutter
• Oculus Go, PlayStation 4 VR, and Google Cardboard

• Button Maker
• Ozobots
• Brother Project Runway™ Computerized Sewing Machines

• Lego Mindstorm Robotics Kit
• Green Screen Video Lighting Kit (reservation required)

Some classes and activities may require materials such as vinyl adhesive & iron-on vinyl sheets which will be available to purchase at the checkout desk for a small fee listed below.

• 1 inch button sets – 10 cents
• 2.25 inch button sets – 20 cents
• 12×12 vinyl sheet and heat transfer paper – $1.00
• Thread – $1.00 per hour

A waiver must be signed and will be kept on file in order to use the equipment.

We look forward to seeing you in January, and make sure to keep an eye on our website for notifications on upcoming events, new equipment, or pictures of something especially cool one of you has made!