Serving as welcoming community centers, the public libraries in South Jersey offer an outstanding array of free programs, workshops and services.
A recent excursion to the Linwood Public Library revealed an astonishing discovery tucked in the back corner of the lower level. The Makery, a creative technology center filled with special equipment such as a Glowforge laser to design and cut custom foamboard photo puzzles, was overflowing with projects. Previous laser-engraving workshops have resulted in personalized designs for bottle openers, cork coasters, snack trays, bamboo pens and greeting cards.
In the STEM Lab focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, workshop participants have enjoyed the opportunity to make a buzzer alarm with circuit components, night light, animated jello mold tray and buzzbots. Other sessions have enabled users to use a 3D printer to design keychains and other custom items.
“The equipment is available to the public in no-pressure, free workshops,” says Gary Schafer, who coordinates the sessions. “We don’t want anyone to panic if they make a mistake.”
As a patient and thoughtful listener who helps others find solutions for proposed projects, Schafer draws on years of experience working in software development, instruction and troubleshooting for different clients. Some of them have included an automotive dealership needing software to do body work, a regional high school collecting student data as well as local colleges offering adult education.
“After retiring, I went to pick up a book at the [Linwood] library, where they had this equipment that was not utilized. They asked me to organize some workshops,” explains Schafer, who has also taught coding at Northfield Library.
“It’s great watching the young kids using the equipment and seeing what they’re involved in,” he adds.
A recent grant helped the children design cubes for seeds in space. They have also created a garden of electronics and a robotic butterfly.
The Maker Closet is stocked with technology and creative resources for in-library use. Items range from circuitry and engineering kits to music keyboards and microscopes. To take advantage of all The Makery equipment–including a Cricut, laminator, memory preservation station to convert VHS tapes, slides and negatives into digital files as well as a heavy-duty sewing machine–patrons must have a user agreement on file.
Upcoming kids’ programs in February include the Coding Club. To learn about all of The Makery workshops and other enriching programs, see linwoodlibrary.com. For details about New Jersey Makers Day, held on March 20 to 22, visit http://njmakersday.org.
Andrea K. Hammer has written articles for local, regional, national and international publications.
