JACKSON, Wyo. — From podcast production to class projects, TCLIB’s WonderLab is getting used by all members of the community
Need access to a laser cutter, sewing machine or a sound booth? All that’s required is a Teton County Library card to get those maker-instincts rolling at WonderLab.
The new makerspace is home to 3D printers, a resin 3D printer, a laser cutter, a cutting machine, multiple sewing machines and a recording studio to help crafters, composers and costume makers manifest their creative visions into material reality.
According to Callie Mastrianni, manager of the WonderLab, the library is seeing users of all ages enjoy the new library program and facility.
“It’s the things that people have the least access to in their homes. They’re very specific and require a lot of setup,” she told Buckrail
Mastrianni said that TCLIB is following a nationwide trend of libraries offering makerspaces.
“They have been popping up for a while and that started in about 2005 with the genesis DIY movements. When [Director of Library Services] Kip Roberson was putting together the strategic plan that discusses multimedia literacy and learning in different setups and settings, this fit into it,” she explained. According to Mastrianni, Roberson had worked at several libraries previous to Jackson where there were makerspaces.
Mastianni said that most of the area’s high schools use 3D printers and so many students come in knowing how to operate those machines as well as the sewing machines, but the laser cutter and the embroidery machine are much less common.
“It has been really cool to see people getting interested in these offerings. I have been working with our teen coordinator here at the library to expand that knowledge with after-hours teen nights and pizza parties focused on one type of equipment each month,” she said.
June will culminate with a final teen night of the semester with an open studio utilizing all machines.
The makerspace’s selection was chosen based on patron needs. Mastrianni told Buckrail that the longer the space is open, the more feedback they’re going to receive on what else the community might be lacking. For now, though, seamstresses have plenty of room to lay out their patterns for cutting and trimming, and broadcast media users can book the recording studio.
Librarian Jerry Bilek has been producing his podcast, “Back of the Stacks” which he co-hosts with Diane Eden at the library studio.
“ One patron came in and recorded the audiobook of his wife’s book. It’s been really cool to see all the creative projects,” she said.
For Mastrianni, the coolest part of her job is introducing new things to new people.
“This is a space where you don’t need to know anything to use it. If the makerspace is open, I am here and able to help,” she said. “There is no barrier for entry. The space is meant to be a learning environment, so messing up is ok.”
After a short learning curve, playing around on the machines and getting the hang of it, creative forces can run wild, she explained.
“I don’t want people to be nervous because they might think that if they don’t have the prior knowledge or they don’t have the skill, none of that matters. This is a space to learn something,” she said.
