submitted by the Morinville Community Library
With October just around the corner, the staff at the Morinville Community Library will be foregoing their usual cold weather wear in favour of bright white lab coats. Why? Because there is no better attire for the launch of a STEAM Makerspace.
“This will be an opportunity like no other in our town,” said Library Supervisor Ashley Cain. “As an organization, we’ve always put a lot of effort into encouraging learning in all forms. A Makerspace seemed like the natural next step and ours is really special because we’ve chosen to develop it using STEAM programming.”
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math. Programming of its kind has become hugely popular because it provides participants with opportunities they may not have outside of advanced education. For instance, the library Makerspace will include a working robot that you can build and operate, Snap Circuits which can be used to create a number of electrical current based projects, and an android that can be coded to perform a variety of movements and tasks.
“For anyone interested in the properties of STEAM, it’s going to be a great way to experiment, try things out and have some fun, all while learning of course,” adds Cain. “Coding, for example, is one of those technology-based skills that you would rarely encounter. Thanks to the Makerspace, residents will be able to come to the library and experiment with it first-hand.”
The grand opening of the Makerspace will be on Oct. 1, launching a jam-packed October Library Month. Other activities throughout the month include a book art project, a drop-in family Thanksgiving craft, a writing workshop and more. Watch our website and social media for details.
For Cain, October Library Month is a big deal. “It’s how we honour our vocation and show our appreciation to our wonderful patrons. We love what we do, so taking the time to celebrate that with the people who share in our passions is important to us.”
For more information on the Makerspace or the October Library Month schedule, please call 780-939-3292 or visit our website at www.morinvillelibrary.ca.
