To be quite honest, when I first heard the words maker and
makerspace, I wasn't really sure what they meant. Now, several years later,
I know that, yes indeed, I am a maker (even though I didn’t know it) and
you are likely one too. June 17-23, 2016
is the National Week of Making, and we have some creative programs planned for
the maker in everyone.
Before we highlight our National Week of Making programs,
let’s answer the question, who
is a maker? A maker is a person, a child or adult, who creates or makes
things. Those things can be anything from a painting, a knitted baby blanket, a
wood carving, a handmade book, a 3D water bottle, a music video, computer
program, and so much more. As you can see, this is a very broad definition, and it covers a wide
range of hobbies and interests, from technical to handmade.
What is a makerspace? A makerspace is a place where makers
come to create. Makerspaces can be anywhere, but libraries in particular are
ideal spots for makerspaces since we are community spaces of knowledge, learning, and creation.
During June 17-23, all of our branches are hosting programs
and activities for all ages, whether you are techie or not. Here’s a sampling of
what is going on:
- Thingiverse Basics: Long Branch, June 17, 3 – 4
Explore Thingiverse to find 3D
designs. You will also learn how to use our 3D printer to print your designs.
- Open House of the new Rockville Memorial Makerspace: June 18, 10:30 – 5 A day filled with making in the soon-to-be
Makerspace! We'll have:
- Happy Crafting: DIY Paper Beads (registration required),
- Button making,
- DIY Olympic torch,
- Coloring,
- Newspaper baskets, and more!
- Stop
by to see the Makerspace in transformation and the plans to come.
- STEM for Everyone: June 19, Olney, all day Visit the jigsaw puzzle table in the gallery.
It's the perfect activity for young and old. Drop by, put in a couple of pieces, and meet new people!
- Kites and Catapults: June 22, Germantown, 1:30 – 3
Make your own kite and catapult. Drop in activity.
- Stop Motion Animation: June 23, Marilyn Praisner, 5 -6Come learn how to make your own Stop Motion
Animations using JellyCam. No video editing
experience necessary, but registration is required. Sign up today!
In addition to these programs, several of our branches offer special maker services.
Silver Spring and Long Branch have digital media labs that offer open lab time and programs. Both labs are equipped with Apple
computers and a full suite of Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop and
Illustrator. Long Branch also has a green screen and video cameras to make
videos.
Kensington Park, Long Branch, Silver Spring, and Twinbrook
all have 3D printers available. Visit any of these branches to see a 3D printer
in action. You may also submit designs in advance and our staff will print the
objects for you.
Happy Making!
Labels: Programs and Events, STEM
Before we highlight our National Week of Making programs,
let’s answer the question, who
is a maker? A maker is a person, a child or adult, who creates or makes
things. Those things can be anything from a painting, a knitted baby blanket, a
wood carving, a handmade book, a 3D water bottle, a music video, computer
program, and so much more. As you can see, this is a very broad definition, and it covers a wide
range of hobbies and interests, from technical to handmade.