Arlington Public Library is extending the hours for its makerspace after staff say hundreds attended its grand opening.
The makerspace, located at Arlington Central Library (1015 N. Quincy Street) first opened in April, but staff celebrated the opening this past Saturday (July 20), with tours and workshops of the space, dubbeds The Shop. Over 500 people came out for the event, according to Maker Librarian Katelyn Attanasio.
Now the APL is expanding The Shop’s opening hours from fours hour a day — Monday through Thursday and on Saturdays– to five hours each day.
Many of the workshops for the space are already “booked through October,” said Attanasio. She added that the DIY drywall repair workshop seemed to be especially well received.
Yesterday, the makerspace displayed little Groot figurines that had been made with the Shop’s 3D printer.
The Shop allows patrons to use a variety of equipment, from woodworking tools, circuit parts, Wacom tablets, 3D printers, and Cameo cutters, among others. Attanasio told ARLnow she hopes people realize there is even more to the space, like opportunities for patrons to come in and digitize home movies and tapes.
“This is your library,” said Attanasio. “We don’t just have fancy tech.”
She said the library is looking for feedback from patrons on the space, including its workshops and equipment.
The new hours for the makerspace are:
- Monday: 2-7 p.m.
- Tuesday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Wednesday: 2-7 p.m.
- Thursday: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed