Makerspace Launch Party: Come Celebrate This Monday
by Allison Cavis, Library IT Specialist
You’re invited to a party at the Estes Valley Library this Monday. First, a little background.
It’s no secret that our Estes Valley is filled with creative people. From artists to engineers, from chefs to woodworkers, we’re home to a talented array of neighbors and friends who make, dabble, and dream. Then, there are all of us who have an appetite for learning— who love to try our hand at new technologies and lost arts, even if only for a day or an hour.
A village like ours deserves a place where people can gather, make, learn, and share. Over the past five years, you’ve told us that, too: that you’d like to see a special place in the library for your creative pursuits.
That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate the opening of the Makerspace on the Library’s second floor. It’s a special occasion, so we’ve prepared some fun activities and refreshments for you. Please join us at the Makerspace Launch Party this Monday, January 29, from 4:30 to 6 pm.
Drop in just for the party, or register online and dig in to our Tech Take-Apart challenge. We’ve designed the Makerspace to be perfect for hands-on activities, so we invite you to roll up your sleeves and crack open old electronics. If you’ve ever wondered what the inside of a computer looks like, Tech Take-Apart is your chance to pick up a tool and find out. You’ll be amazed at what keeps our everyday machines humming. Don’t worry—we won’t make you put them back together!
Most of all, we look forward to giving you an opportunity to see this new space and its potential.
Speaking of potential, watch for our Makerspace survey beginning February 1. We want to hear from you about the programs and tools you’d like to see in this new space. Is creativity important to you? Do you value STEM education and 21st century skills? Would you like to explore fiber arts with friends? Or maybe a place for a writers’ group? Perhaps you have a skill you would like to share. Maybe you need hand tools for repair projects, or digitizing equipment for preserving your family memories! There’s no right or wrong answer—think big!
Once we’ve gathered the results later this season, your ideas will guide us as to where to focus our energies, how to equip the room, and what programs to launch in the months and years ahead.
First, though, join us Monday for this special celebration. Please feel free to drop in for a treat and a tour of the space. If you’d like to participate in the Tech Take-Apart activity, please RSVP by clicking here.
All ages are welcome. We ask that children under 12 be accompanied by an adult, since there will be real tools and sharp objects in the mix.
A huge “thank you” to the two very generous donors who have made this new space possible. Their dream is for us to be creative, learn joyously, and happily pursue our curiosity. This Monday will be a great start!