Library's main branch launches makerspace

Libraries were created because books were so expensive and difficult to obtain for the average person.

But with the Internet making information instantly available, libraries are evolving beyond their traditional role, said Brian Harding, Greater Sudbury Public Library's manager of library and heritage resources.

Technology is much the same as books used to be — some people can afford it, but many others can't, he said.

“We want to make sure the people have access to it, and they have access to the environment in which to explore that technology,” Harding said.

That's the idea behind the makerspace room at the city library's main branch, which opened Jan. 20.

The room, a $75,000 project taken on jointly by the library and the city's social services department, features free access to technology such as a 3D printer and Raspberry Pi and Arduino computer programming equipment.

It also contains more low-tech equipment such as sewing machines, tools and even Lego for the young fry. Plans are also in the works to set up a tool-lending library.

The library will run workshops to help people learn how to use these tools for themselves.

What all of these tools have in common is they can be used to create things, a skill that Harding said is being lost in this consumer age.

“The makerspace is fundamentally a place designed to stimulate and nurture exploration,” Harding said.

“It's a safe space. It's one in which we're all free to learn, to ask questions, to experiment, to dream and to create. This is what the public library has always been. The makerspace represents the next chapter in the evolution of this ancient institution.”

Harding said makerspaces are becoming increasingly popular, especially in his hometown of Toronto. Some of them, like the one just opened by the library, are publicly run, while others are privately held.

NORCAT CEO Don Duval, who was invited to speak at the makerspace's grand opening, said he figures there's about 80 makerspaces in Canada. “They'll probably double in the next couple of years,” he said.

Duval said his organization's innovation mill is something like a sophisticated makerspace, where aspiring entrepreneurs have access to the tools they need to make their ideas a commercial success.

He said he finds the library's makerspace exciting, because it could encourage youth to develop their skills and ultimately become entrepreneurs.

“It's great news for this community, and ultimately we'll see some interesting, wacky, crazy things come out of here,” Duval said.

“How great is it to come into a facility where you're encouraged to build things, break things, try again, talk about it, exchange ideas. It's going to be magical to come in just to be a spectator.”

Dawn Raymond, who decided to check out the makerspace after attending story hour with her son, Jack Gauvreau, 3, said she thinks the project is wonderful.

“It's a great opportunity for people to come and try new things,” she said, as she and Jack played with Lego blocks. Raymond added she might bring her daughter, Sadie, 4, back to the facility to try sewing.