MULLICA HILL — The Gloucester County Library System has received an award of $12,500 to fund the creation of a “Makerspace” at the Mullica Hill Branch. The MakerStudio@GCLS will be a collaborative learning space that will offer exposure to new technologies and provide library users a chance to bring their creative ideas to life.
The MakerStudio@GCLS will contain hardware such as a 3-D printer, 3-D scanner, a vinyl cutter, and laptop interfaces, as well as a sewing machine and other supplies for more traditional crafting. An adjacent room will serve as a digital media studio, containing an iMac computer with Garageband, iMovie, and photo-editing software. Accessories will include a MIDI controller, HD video cameras, a green screen, and photo printer/scanner.
Freeholder Director Robert Damminger said, “The MakerStudio@GCLS is going to be an exciting place for patrons of all ages and interests to use and help realize their creative potential. These learning environments are popping up in public libraries all over the country and drawing in new library users and offering current library customers something new.”
The Mullica Hill’s MakerStudio@GCLS will utilize the current computer lab because it has the necessary outlets, ports and cabling. The computers will be relocated to other parts of the library.
Freeholder Lyman Barnes said, “This Makerspace will be the first of its kind in Gloucester County. The lab will be available to library users, individually and in groups, who are interested in using the equipment to turn their creative ideas into reality. Future plans include the creation of mini-labs at GCLS branches and partnerships with schools and business organizations.
Funding for this Makerspace initiative is provided by the New Jersey State Library and by LibraryLinkNJ, the New Jersey Library Cooperative, whose services are funded by the New Jersey State library, which is responsible for the coordination, promotion, and funding of the New Jersey Library Network. The MakerStudio@GCLS is expected to be available to the public in the summer of 2014.
GCLS is currently seeking businesses, organizations, and individuals who would like to participate by providing program leadership, financial, or technical support. For more information contact Ralph Bingham, Head of Reference and Digital Services, at 856-223-6045 or rbingham@gcls.org.
