Greenberg Families Library revitalized with Makerspace project

There’s a new Makerspace at the Greenberg Families Library — and they’re launching a series of Demo Sundays this January to kick the initiative off. 

“Libraries are quickly evolving to become more than just books on a shelf. They are adapting with the use of technology, like Makerspaces, to attract new members and further engage existing members in new and creative ways,” said Carlie MacPherson, Senior Librarian. 

“The use of Makerspaces has led to a revitalization and reimagining of libraries in an increasingly digital world and is becoming a very popular hands-on approach to learning and developing new skills.”

At their core, Makerspaces are collaborative workspaces inside a school, library or separate public/private facility for making, learning, exploring and sharing that use high-tech to no-tech tools. Every Makerspace is unique. 

The space at the Greenberg Families Library was funded through the Jewish Federation of Ottawa’s Innovative Capacity Building Fund and came about because MacPherson wanted to expand the library’s offerings. 

“There was a need to diversify the programming that the library offers and seeing so many other small libraries successfully implement their own Makerspace inspired me to attempt it here,” she said. 

The library’s Makerspace is only available for drop-in programming right now, with three upcoming opportunities. 

January 8 — Press a personal photo onto a tote bag or mug
January 22 — Make a faux leather keychain or bookmark
January 29 — Choose from tissue paper stained glass, button-making, or shrink art

MacPherson said she’s excited to offer the community new and creative programming.

“We have already had a few very successful art programs for both adults and children and I am very excited to grow a space that encourages play and open-ended exploration, provides hands-on peer-to-peer learning, helps with critical thinking skills, and boosts self-confidence,” she said. 

“We hope our space will foster a collaborative work space for making, learning, exploring, and sharing with the use of technology.”

To register and for more information, contact MacPherson at library@jccottawa.com