DALE — The Dale Lincoln Heritage Public Library MakerSpace officially opened on Wednesday, May 3. This space is a dream for crafters and creators that offers various different stations that encourage making and learning.

The space includes a MakerBot Sketch 3D Printer, a Roxio VHS/DVD Converter, a Brother SE 600 Sewing & Embroidery Machine, a Singer Sewing Machine, a Cricut Explore Air 2, a button and keychain maker, an Art Skills Wood Burning Kit, a Smart Sketcher Projector, and a Smart STIX Engineering Kit.

There will also be a monthly station focusing on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics); currently it is a Lego station.

Library Director Rae Ann Kippenbrock explained that the different stations at the MakerSpace were inspired by the MakerSpace located at the Jasper Public Library.

Bringing this addition to the library is a way to attract both adult and youth patrons who have an interest in what the space has to offer. By coming into to use the various crafting machines, it may also spark an interest or need for books on the crafts that the library has to offer.

A special feature of the space came about after the daughters of the late Genell Kanzler of Chrisney approached Kippenbrock about wanting to donate memorial contributions in their mother’s name to the library.

As a lover of crafting and creativity, Genell’s family and the library thought it would be perfect for her memorial contributions to go towards the MakerSpace room.

The items within the room that were made possible due to the donations in memory of Genell are designated with a specialized plaque.

Meadors Construction completed the construction of the space and Klem Signs designed all of the decals. All of the furniture in the room is brand-new that was either donated or discounted from Kimball.

To use the MakerSpace at the Dale LHPL, community members must be library patrons and they will have to take an online training to use any of the equipment. This is a safety and introduction training that can be found on their website at https://www.lincolnheritage.lib.in.us/makerspace/.

For the 3D printer and VHS converter, additional online and one-on-one training is required due to the operation of the equipment being more detailed and not utilized on a day-to-day basis by most.

Maryann, the MakerSpace Coordinator at the library, will be available Mondays and Fridays by appointment for any additional training. She can be contacted via email at lincolnheritage17@gmail.com or phone at 812.937.7170 to set up a time.

Patrons are welcome to bring their own supplies for the compatible equipment. In regards to the 3D printer, the library will provide equipment and supplies for that. Some supplies can also be purchased at the library and the price list is posted the MakerSpace window.

The hours of the MakerSpace room are Mondays 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon. When the stations are closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, the room is still open to public as a meeting space.

Children under the age of 8 are not permitted in the room. Children ages 8 to 13 must be accompanied at all times by an adult who has received the MakerSpace certification.

In June and July, workshops for the MakerSpace will be offered on Mondays. Upcoming workshops include:

Monday, June 5 at 5 p.m. — sewing and embroidery workshop

Monday, June 12 at 5 p.m. — Cricut machine workshop

Monday, June 26 at 5 p.m. — DVD/VHS converter worshop

Monday, July 3 at 5 p.m. — button maker/key chain workshop

Monday, July 17 at 5 p.m. — 3D printer workshop

No registration required. All workshops will be in the MakerSpace room.