East Lansing's second maker space will remain open beyond its original closing date thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor.
Originally slated to close in February, the
ELPL 2.0 Maker Studio will continue to operate in East Lansing's Marriott at University Place through July 31, 2015. The 700-square foot space in a former hair salon compliments the maker studio in the East Lansing Public Library and supports the creative spirit of individuals, families and entrepreneurs in Greater Lansing. Recently-hired 3D printing specialist Joe Carr will also be onsite at both studios to advise on 3D printing, modeling and design.
"It's a place where people can do all the things they want to do that's communal and has supplies they never knew existed," says Lauren Douglass, head of Technology Services, East Lansing Public Library. "And it's just fun."
Since opening in October 2014, the second maker studio has provided space, materials and guidance to more than 1,500 people. Visitors to the studio have attended crafting and electronics workshops, received one-on-one instruction in 3D printing and scanning, and completed solo and group projects.
Douglass says the studios attract a variety of makers from teens to seniors with a range of abilities. Visitors include families with children, tinkerers, small business people, and local artists, as well as those who identify as makers but haven't joined any particular maker space.
"There are so many people in East Lansing who want to use the technology and supplies," says Douglass. "It's a great town for sharing ideas and learning from one another."
The ELPL 2.0 Maker Studio features 3D printing, sewing and fabric design, bike repair facilities, a LEGO hackspace, an Arduino lab and space for other projects, meetups, workshops and more.
The ELPL Maker Studio in the East Lansing Public Library also has one 3D printer, two 27-inch iMacs featuring the full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro X, Camtasia Studio and several 3D design programs. The studio offers a flatbed scanner, a graphics tablet, and music recording/production equipment including a MIDI keyboard, studio monitors, mics and more.
Sources: Lauren Douglass, Head of Technology Services, East Lansing Public Library
Writer: Ann Kammerer, News Editor
Got a story idea for Innovation News? Email Ann Kammerer here.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.