FOND DU LAC – In July 2016, the Fond du Lac Public Library opened the Idea Studio, introducing the community to various equipment and creative opportunities.
Now, the library is celebrating the makerspace’s 10th anniversary with a free “Make-tacular” from noon to 4 p.m. July 18 at the Idea Studio in the lower level of the main library, 32 Sheboygan St.
Whether they’re new to the space or familiar with some of the equipment, visitors can drop in at the Make-tacular to see what it offers, make customized crafts like keychains, and watch demonstrations of the equipment. Light refreshments and snacks will also be available.
For visitors, the free anniversary event offers a low-pressure way to try the makerspace before reserving equipment or signing up for training, especially for beginners, families or people who do not have access to tools such as 3D printers, sewing machines or laser cutters at home.
The Idea Studio’s goal has been to fill a niche in the community. Library leaders envisioned a future in which community members could come together to create, according to a news release from the library. Funding came from a combination of grants, private funds and the library’s endowment.
Josh Cowles, IT manager and Idea Studio supervisor, said they engaged several different kinds of people who could create in the space, making sure as many of them as possible had a seat at the table during the design process. This included artists, engineers, farmers, chefs, tinkerers, inventors and entrepreneurs.
“(That group) and other partners helped guide the Idea Studio to become the makerspace that it is today,” he said in the release.
The Idea Studio is open 3 to 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 3 to 6 p.m. Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays. Visitors younger than 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Fond du Lac Idea Studio users say there is something for everyone
Regular visitors Jeanne Hellman and Mary Leicht enjoy using the Idea Studio not only because of the equipment, but also for the helpful staff and how easy it is to get started and to book some of the more advanced equipment.
“The staff are welcoming to everybody who walks through the door,” Hellman said. “They’re so nonjudgmental. No question is off limits with them, and they celebrate the things that you make — they’re actually proud of you.”
She added there is something for everyone, and you can always find something you would enjoy doing.
Leicht said the staff walked her through every step as she tried out new equipment.
“I typically use the laser machine. That’s the one I started with and that I like a lot,” Leicht said. “Now, I’m getting into the sublimation and the 3D printing.”
Drop-in projects at Fond du Lac Idea Studio are available to all visitors
Several projects are available on a drop-in basis, with no training required. They include adult coloring sheets, fuse beads, building blocks, origami and 50-cent Shrinky Dinks, as well as materials to make beaded jewelry, friendship bracelets and paper collages.
Plastic lacing can make keychains and other accessories, and the Kaossilator synthesizer can produce a range of sounds and music loops.
Visitors can also check out the Maker Cabinet to see what sparks their creativity, or they can contribute to the ever-changing community art project.
Fond du Lac Idea Studio equipment can be reserved online
Available equipment that doesn’t require training includes the button maker, drawing tablet, kitchen, photo lightbox and VHS conversion station.
This equipment can be reserved in advance online through Skedda, which is available on the library’s website.
Materials like buttons for the button maker and USB drives for the VHS conversion station are available to purchase.
Advanced Fond du Lac Idea Studio equipment requires training
Several pieces of equipment require both reservation and “badging,” or one-time training with a brief skills test before use.
This equipment includes a 3D printer, sewing machine, serger, embroidery machine, laser cutter/engraver, mold maker, printmaking press, recording studio, Silhouette Cameo cutter, sublimation printer and heat press, and an X-Carve CNC router.
Badging classes are scheduled regularly on the library calendar, or they can be set up by contacting Idea Studio staff. Some of the equipment has online badging videos users can watch before setting up a skills test at the Idea Studio.
This equipment also has an age requirement of either 13 or 18, depending on the device. Specifications on each piece of equipment, age requirements, what is provided and materials available to purchase are available at fdlpl.org/idea-studio.
Daphne Lemke is the Streetwise reporter for the Fond du Lac Reporter. Contact her at dlemke@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Fond du Lac makerspace throws a free 10th birthday bash July 18
Reporting by Daphne Lemke, Fond du Lac Reporter / Fond du Lac Reporter
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By Daphne Lemke, Fond du Lac Reporter | USA TODAY Network
