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Library Opens Maker Space

The Make-It Lab is all about creating with the right set of tools. 

The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, a 2014 Star Library, a 2014 Top Innovator and a 21st Century library, is always improving and implementing new possibilities. And now it is home to a brand new maker space. 

If you can dream it, you can make it. That's the idea behind the Make-It Lab in the library's media room. It will house a ton of equipment library customers can use to make, create, design, compose, record and manipulate.

The equipment at the Make-It Lab was provided as a gift from the Friends of the Library, and includes:

Software:

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.)
  • Google Sketchup
  • iLife Suite (Garage Band, iMovie)

 

 

 

 

Hardware:

  • Two iMac computers
  • Studio monitors
  • Scanner
  • Digital drawing tablet
  • 3D printer (pictured at top)
  • Camcorder
  • Tripods and lighting
  • Microphones

The library will also offer specialized media bags for checkout, containing tools for at-home songwriting, photography, video and field recording. 

Why is the Make-It-Lab such a big deal? Because it provides a space for small business owners, entrepreneurs, creative professionals and amateur inventors to utilize equipment they might not otherwise be able to afford or access.

Here's what customers will be able to do:

  • Record music, podcasts and oral histories
  • Create digital art
  • Create and edit videos
  • Edit and manipulate photos
  • Use a bevy of tech equipment (try before you buy)
  • Make physical products with the 3D printer

The space will be available for checkout via a reservation on the library's website. Customers can pick up a key to the room at the media desk, after which they'll have 3 hour access to the room. The 3D printer will be housed in the main media area for customers to use and observe.

 

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