While many thought libraries were on their way out with the invention of the internet, and then again with the appearance of e-books, they are simply, according to the director of the East Lansing Public Library (ELPL) Kristin Shelley, finding ways to reinvent themselves. One of those reinventions will premiere on October 1st with the grand opening of the ELPL 2.0 Maker Studio.
Only the second of its kind in the area, Detroit being the closest, the Studio will offer a space that provides the public somewhere to create and share ideas. There will be a 3D printer, recording equipment, design supplies, sewing machines, bike repair facilities, and much more.The public can cut an album, design a brochure, or produce a podcast.
This reinvention of the library, says Shelley, “gives people the opportunity to create the information. Instead of people just consuming our materials, they can create it themselves.” It’s taking the library beyond books and story time and Shelley is excited that the public will be able to choose the direction they want the space to go.
There will also be a community loom that will represent the community weaving together.
The space is possible due to the fundraising efforts of the library and also because of an anonymous donor.
Source: Kristin Shelley, Director ELPL
Author: Allison Monroe, Innovation News Editor
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