SHREWSBURY – Calling all “makers”!
The Shrewsbury Public Library on Nov. 9 held a grand opening for its new Makerspace, an area on the building’s second floor that gives community members access to a half-dozen different pieces of equipment they otherwise would’ve had to buy and store.
“We wanted to bring an area where people would be able to use tools they may not have at home – either because they don’t have space or the investment opportunity. This is a place where people can use tools to make… whatever they want,” said Jess Smith, who created the Makerspace alongside fellow Shrewsbury Public Library employee Hedda Monaghan.
“The SPL … Makerspace facilitates creative exploration, [and] collaboration … in the pursuit of knowledge in a safe and inclusive space for all. Users of the Makerspace are given the opportunity to engage with new tools and software to learn or hone skills and ignite creative expression,” reads the Shrewsbury Public Library’s website.
Powered by a $30,000 Creative Communities grant from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Makerspace features a silhouette cutter, T-shirt press, sewing machine, iron and ironing board, and craft supplies. Certain “Trained Maker” items – like the embroidery machine, laser cutter, and serger – require special training before use.
Appointments for “Trained Maker” machines will begin on Dec. 2.
All the machines will be available by Dec. 6.
