A new has arrived in Arlington 鈥� in a library.
Arlington Public Library announced Tuesday that their new makerspace is now open in the Ballston Central Library聽on聽1015 N. Quincy Street.
Called 鈥�,鈥� the free makerspace comes equipped with woodworking tools, soldering irons, circuit parts and聽聽for coding projects, Wacom tablets聽and pens, 3D printers, Cameo cutters, sewing machines, tools for sewing, among .
鈥淭he Shop provides access to tools and software and is staffed with Maker mentors to help you get your project off the ground,鈥� said library Director Diane Kresh, who added that APL is “excited to promote the Maker movement and offer collaborative spaces to meet the evolving needs of our community.”
The Shop is divided between a workshop and tables where attendees can take classes.
This week, makers will teach participants how to upcycle jewelry and preserve movies on 8mm or VHS tapes. The Shop at least partially fills a gap created by the in 2017.
Hours are聽Mondays through Thursdays from 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m., with extended openings and children鈥檚 classes planned for the summer, staff say.
APL joins a nationwide trend of libraries investing in crafting spaces. D.C. Public Library offers three multimedia and fabrication .
鈥淟ibraries have a long history of reinventing themselves in order to stay relevant,鈥� APL spokesman Henrik Sundqvist told ARLnow. 鈥淚 think the maker movement is a perfect example of just that. to kind of encourage, play, experimentation and encourage critical thinking.鈥�
APL previously announced plans to build a mobile lab later this year, to travel to different parts of the county.
鈥淲e鈥檙e going to ready in the fall,鈥� Sundqvist said Tuesday. He noted the library wasn鈥檛 able to release details on the project yet.
The Shop was funded with the county board allocated for renovations at the Central Library, Sundqvist said.
Images from .
