Skip to content

Makerspace arrives at Sylvan Lake Library

A Makerspace is a place where people come together to create, usually using technology.

Submitted

A Makerspace is a place where people come together to create, usually using technology. A phenomenon that is sweeping the continent, it is being embraced as a way to promote innovation in society.

The Whitehouse hosted a Maker Faire this past summer showcasing this ‘maker’ philosophy. Libraries, being places for community engagement, have begun to develop spaces and activities to teach and empower patrons. These spaces are called Makerspaces.

Edmonton Public Library has developed an amazing Makerspace at the Stanley A. Milner Library featuring 3D printers, a green screen, gaming consoles and creative workstations.

Sylvan Lake Library welcomed its first ‘maker’ program on Sept. 20 when participants dove into electricity with Snap Circuit Wizardry. Electricity was explored by using Snap Circuits kits to make flying saucers, motion detectors and water clocks.

The second Makerspace program that will be hosted by the library is Robotic Engineering with Lego, which takes place Saturday, Nov. 8 from 1 to 3 p.m.

Using motors and sensors to interface with NXT bricks, and software programs to control the motors, participants, aged nine and up, will be teamed up and given open-ended challenges.

These are free events but do require registration as they have limited enrolment. For more information, call 403-887-2130.