Just when we thought our Boulder City Library couldn’t get any better, they do! We were recently invited to take a tour of the library’s brand new Makerspace and we were sure impressed. We had discussed the evolution of libraries and the “Library of Things” with Jessica Jones, Head of Youth Services back in March 2023. You can head HERE to read about that. Many libraries are undergoing a substantive transformation to continue to serve their communities. Basically, libraries are more than simply books! There are all kinds of resources available to the public brought to you by your favorite library.
We were really excited to hear the library was strongly considering adding a Makerspace to their continuing diverse offerings. To briefly describe the concept, we defer to the American Library Association for a broad definition of what you may find in such a space:
Kids gather to make Lego robots; teens create digital music, movies, and games with computers and mixers; and students engineer new projects while adults create prototypes for small business products with laser cutters and 3D printers. Many libraries across the US have developed makerspaces—places to create, build, and craft—and they are experiencing increased visits and demand as a result. For public libraries, they are places to promote community engagement. For academic libraries, they are places where students and faculty feel welcome to do classwork and research.
Fundamentally, makerspaces are a technological leap past library knitting and quilting circles, where patrons and experts have often come together to learn new techniques and train others in a skill. The new tools are a lot flashier, and certainly more expensive than a needle and thread. The cost factor is what makes a makerspace so appealing to library visitors—what one person cannot afford to purchase for occasional use, the library can buy and share with the community.
But let’s get to the good stuff regarding our library’s new Makerspace that will be opening to the public on Friday, November 3rd at 4:00PM. It’s a crafter’s dream! There are really so many things available, it’s exciting to imagine what types of creations will be developed and executed in the space. From school projects, to holiday cards, to clothing assembly, to 3D creations, the results are virtually limitless! The list below is by no means exhaustive, but here are some of the wonderful additions available:
- Several die cutting machines and dozens and dozens of dies
- Lots of great yarn, crochet and knitting supplies, including knitting looms
- Multiple Cricut machines which can do so many fabulous things
- A mug press to use with the Cricut machines
- A hat press to use with the Cricut machines
- Button maker for making custom buttons in two sizes
- Several laser engravers
- Several Brother sewing machines
- A Brother sewing and embroidery machine
- Serger for sewing projects
- A staff operated 3D printer (patrons can submit projects to be printed by library staff)
- Supplies for many of the machines above
- AND MORE COOL THINGS ON THE WAY!!!!
You can always check out the library’s Makerspace page HERE to see what equipment is available for use, as they will be adding things based on grant availability, patron requests, and staff recommendations. Yes, all of the items in the Makerspace were acquired via a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records or through patron donations to the library. How cool is that???
Everything is neatly housed on shelves and in cabinets in the back of the Nevada Room. There are a few tables and stools and chairs for makers to work on their projects. The Makerspace will be open for “drop in” time on Wednesdays from 2:00PM to 4:00PM or Thursdays from 12:00PM to 2:00PM. Other times can be arranged in advance with library staff.
Before rushing over to the library to make use of these machines, there are a few housekeeping things to address. First of all, you must be trained on the machines you wish to use. That training is offered thru classes offered routinely at the library (check out their calendar HERE) or directly from library staff. Secondly, all users need to sign Makerspace Use Policy, which can be found HERE. Also, you must be a patron in good standing with a valid library card or photo identification. The Makerspace is primarily for patrons 13 and older, but patrons younger than 13 may use the space with adult supervision (a parent/guardian or teacher).
While we’re on the subject of our library and the cool, amazing staff there, we want to draw our readers attention to the following upcoming events happening in the next couple of weeks:
- Halloween Story Time on Tuesday, October 31 from 3:30PM to 4:30PM in the Community Room. There will be story time (obviously), but also trick-or-treating, and other Halloween fun. Costumes are encouraged! No registration required.
- Library Open House, Outdoor Movie, and Makerspace Grand Opening on Friday, November 3 at 4:00PM in the Nevada Room and Amphitheatre. Come for the tour of the library and Makerspace and stay for the movie immediately following in the Amphitheatre! No registration required.
- Free Cox Wifi cards are available at the Front Desk of the library for check out. Cards are available on a first-come, first-served basis to patrons 18 and older.
We can’t thank the staff enough for giving us a sneak peek at this awesome addition to the library. We can’t wait to see the community’s enjoyment of such a creative, welcoming space!! Speaking of space, we also saw some really cool study pods now available for use inside the library. Check out the Enterprise study pod in the photos above!!
Boulder City Library is located at 701 Adams Boulevard in ABC Park. They are open Monday thru Thursday from 10:00AM to 8:00PM, and Friday thru Sunday from 10:00AM to 5:00PM. Their phone number is (702) 293-1281. Check out the library’s website HERE, where you’ll find online resources like their catalog of materials, event calendar, policies, research databases, and more.
