Do you want to understand the buzz around podcasts and 3D printing? Have you been trying to find a new activity to share with your grandchildren as we emerge from pandemic closures? Do you wish your kids spent less time on their devices and worked together on projects? Then the new Makerspace is a destination worth checking out.
After years of planning, fundraising, and building, the Makerspace in the Downtown Library is finally open with crafting and art tools and supplies, technology tools such as 3D printers and laser cutters, sewing machines, gardening tools and podcast equipment and the list goes on.
For adults who want to make and create, there is Open Sewing, Art Salon, Digital Makers, Seed Swaps and more. On Wednesday mornings, Drop In Tech Help is back: you can bring in your devices for one-on-one assistance. Kids and teens can sign up for Kid Makers, Crafty Wednesdays, Pop-up Chemistry, Teen Makers and Family Makers. More programs will be added during the coming months.
In March, the first Art Salon in the Makerspace featured a freehand sketching session with charcoal. All materials were provided. The results provide a hint of the creativity in our community.
Still not quite sure what the Makerspace really is? Then join us for our World Creativity & Innovation Day virtual event on April 21 for demonstrations of podcasting, coding with robots, 3D printing, sewing and more. Sign up here.
Makerspace programs are all free and are on the library website now:
Here are just a few examples of upcoming programming in April for kids and teens:
• Kid Coding on Sundays: Coding Workshops for beginners! All ages welcome.
• Crafty Wednesdays: We’ll provide the supplies, you bring the creativity! For grades K through 3rd.
• Environmentalist Sophia Qin: A fun lesson, a reading session and an at-home science experiment that teaches the concept behind ocean acidification.
• Teen Craft Club: A different project and activity every month! For teens ages 12+.
And April programs of interest to adults:
• Open Sewing: Use the library’s sewing equipment. Inspired by Earth Day, this month we’ll be upcycling fabric into scrappy produce bags, cat toys, and plant pots.
• 3D Printing: Learn how to use 3D printing software.
• Seed Library: Discover gardening indoors & outdoors.
• Drop In Tech Help: Learn how to create a social media account (English and Spanish).
The Redwood City Library Foundation (RCLF) raised over $435,000 to complete the Makerspace construction, and is continuing fundraising to supply additional equipment and furnishings. Makerspaces are inclusive and available to an ethnically broad and socio-economically diverse audience. The Library Makerspace is the only one in southern San Mateo County that serves families with young children.
You can support the Library and Makerspace by donating to the RCLF.
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