Hello! This is my first blog post. Kind of intimidating, really. I plan to utilize this blog as a way to showcase the art projects I work on and creative programming I design for the public libraries I am currently employed at as well as share a bit more of my personality on the internet rather than just through my Instagram stories.
I am a Makerspace technician at both the Raymond Public Library in East Hartford and the Welles Turner Memorial Library in Glastonbury. When I tell people I work in a Makerspace, most people don’t know what that even is. I like explaining Makerspaces as almost like a “library of things.” We provide resources to the public by educating them on how to use certain machinery and give access to technology they may otherwise be unable to access. We have 3D printers, CNC machines, laser cutters, sewing and embroidery machines, a Silhouette Cameo, the list goes on. My goal as a Makerspace Technician is to bring your idea to life, complete the project you’ve imagined in your head, and have you leave the library having learned something new.
I am an artist by trade, so this plays a big role in how I contribute to the Makerspaces I work at. I teach free painting classes, mentor children and adults alike one-on-one in a multitude of different disciplines, and plan creative programming for all ages to enjoy. I also am trained to use all the machines with the idea that I can teach any patron who walks in how to use them as well.
I do a lot of cool stuff at my job everyday. I never know what a patron will bring in next and I always leave inspired. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be a librarian. I’m hoping that by sharing what I do and how I do it other librarians and Makerspace techs can find inspiration for their own practice. I also want to show the world how cool public libraries are and hopefully bring in more people to my Makerspaces as well as pique the interest of others to explore their own public library.
I hope to post at least once a week to show what my patrons and I have been working on and share the wonderful experiences I have at work. Thank you for taking the time to read this! I can’t wait to share more.
Best wishes always,
Emma xx
