[ By ROD ZOOK ]
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — One thing that can keep people from starting a new hobby or similar adventure is the cost.
Often, that cost can keep someone from making the jump to a new hobby or create more frustration if the end result is not what they expected. Now, many libraries — including the Hutchinson Public Library — are giving patrons the chance to learn about such things as 3D printing, embroidery and other types of creations.
Its called the “Makerspace” and it’s located in the basement of the library.
“It fits in with our mission in a way that I think most people don’t think of,” Library Director Greg Wamsley said. “The library’s mission is to inspire learning, cultivate growth, share knowledge and strengthen our community.”
The room is filled with all types of technology from embroidery machines to sewing, to a vertical milling machine that can create computer-generated objects. And there is 3D printing available. The important thing to remember is that this isn’t a service where people can come and have something printed or made for them. It’s a lab to teach patrons how to do the computer work and other steps necessary to have success at the hobby.
“The technical skills, I don’t view as a large limitation,” Nathan Towle said. “It’s mostly self-confidence, which is one of those abstract qualities we try to instill in people when they come in.” Towle is one of several library staff members that works with the young and old to teach them how to start their new hobby.
“We try to provide people the tools that they need to help themselves to learn,” Towle said. “So if someone is very self-directed, we absolutely support that. And if someone learns better in a one-on-one situation, we can facilitate that as well.”
The workings of things like 3D printing are usually underestimated by someone starting in the hobby, often leading to people giving up or never getting started in the first place. Wamsley says that is one of the biggest advantages of the Makerspace lab.
“That’s sort of the guiding principle behind the equipment that we purchased,” Wamsley said. “People say, ‘hey, maybe I want to try this, I go down to the library, I learn a little bit, I try it,’ then they can make their decision from there.”
Makerspace isn’t just for adults, it has many activities for children to come in and create all types of art and crafts, along with Legos and other building toys. Most of the projects are free, although they do ask that you pay for the cost of materials when it comes to 3D printing and other similar projects. Wamsley says the lab fits the library’s mission as more facilities move toward other technology and not just reading materials or computers.
“Makerspace fits into that cultivate growth part (the library’s mission) because it’s an opportunity for people to come and create.”
