A visitor expects to find books at a library, maybe movies and audio recordings. A laser cutter and 3D printers are more surprising, but those are among the many items available at the Buffalo and Erie County Public Library’s Launch Pad Makerspace.
Located in the downtown Central Library, near the Lafayette Square entrance, the shared workspace is home to fabrication equipment, a recording studio, digital editing workstations, musical instruments, button makers and more.
“The idea at its core is to give access that people might not otherwise have for creative purposes,” says librarian and Launch Pad manager Jordan Smith.
Larger equipment stays in the makerspace, but there is a “Library of Things” waiting to be checked out. Those offerings include instruments, portable audio recorders, cameras, binoculars, digital projectors and household tools. Jordan says that the karaoke machine is an especially popular item.
For most of the equipment, cost would be a barrier. Other projects might just be intimidating. “So we’re offering an introduction and a jumping off point for self-education,” she explains.
Librarian Amanda Brown demonstrates how to use the laser cutter/engraver.
Jordan and her colleagues provide trainings by appointment on how to use the 3D printers and guidance with recording devices and editing software, which can then be reserved for a recording or work session. Recurring workshops include a Saturday stitch circle for learning how to knit, crochet or sew, and painting sessions on Friday afternoons for adult artists.
“We can get you going and then you can do the work,” she says. “Whatever project you’re working on is going to force you to learn. We’re offering the tools so you can do it right.”
Smith was part of the team that ushered the library makerspace from an idea into a reality eight years ago. In addition to the library’s internal budgeting and planning, donations from local companies have helped. Collaboration with University at Buffalo researchers and a three-year grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services provided support and a chance to study the learning that happens at a makerspace and its benefits to users.
Jordan has enjoyed seeing visitors develop their interests, build skills and flourish creatively.
“We’ve had a bunch of different podcasts being produced out of the library,” she says. “We’ve had people shoot music videos and do product photography in the studios. People have done prototyping for products on our 3D printers.”
The “Library of Things” concept is not limited to the Central Library. Many branches around Erie County have their own collections, often including musical instruments and CPR training gear. The catalogue of items may reflect the specific interests of branch patrons and staff: Elma has a handheld GPS navigator and a GoPro camera for outdoor adventures, while Newstead has a variety of science-focused learning kits for kids.
“Come to the library; we have lots of resources,” Jordan says. “We have books, we have research materials—that’s generally what people are familiar with—but we have so much more than that.”
