The space dedicated to collaborative creation in technology, art and crafts, Makerspace celebrates its first anniversary in the Redwood City Public Library.
The Makerspace opened in early March 2022, following years of effort by the Redwood City Library Foundation, and is open seven days a week.
According to its website, “The Library’s Makerspace is designed to provide community members with equitable access to technology and other tools that may not be readily accessible or affordable to individuals.”
This collaborative space allows people and groups of all ages to come together to create, experiment and learn about technology, computers, art, science, electronics and sewing.
What's in the Makerspace
- In terms of technology, the Makerspace has 3D printers, digital modeling and design software, and the opportunity to learn about robotics and electronics.
- For those interested in sewing, the collaborative space has sewing and embroidery machines, as well as tools for creating all kinds of crafts.
- To collaborate, the Makerspace offers whiteboards, screen monitors, space for video conferencing and audio recording, and reconfigurable tables and seating.
While the space offers all these benefits, there are still improvements that can be made.
For Gene Suarez, senior library assistant at the Redwood City Public Library, one of the tools that could help is more podcast-friendly microphones and a wider variety of editing software, since they currently use free software like Audacity.
And it is that in this collaborative space different activities are offered such as sewing classes, The portal to creativity —where some classes are taught in Spanish—, classes for learning English, workshops, coding clubs and even activities related to STEAM areas —Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics—.
In this regard, Suárez pointed out that the photography classes are given in Spanish and have had a good reception from the public; as well as the coding club and the special robotics club for children and adolescents from 3 to 18 years old. However, adults also tend to attend these activities.
"Whatever they are doing, they are doing a good job," Suárez acknowledged of the classes and activities taught in Spanish, such as photography classes.
Those interested can access the Makerspace at the Redwood City Public Library located at 1044 Middlefield Rd in Redwood City.
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