Equipment often found in makerspaces includes laser cutters, 3D printers, heat presses, and embroidery and sewing machines. Some people think that these machines are not appropriate for use by kids younger than high school age—but that’s not true! Kids love to make, too!
The Workshop is currently available to high school students and adults, but the library also has maker classes for kids in grades 3-8 that take place in The Workshop or in the Youth Program Room. Youth maker classes typically focus on one piece of equipment so that kids can learn how the equipment works and then use it to create their own project.
In the Engrave a Powder Coated Water Bottle programs for grades 3-5 and 6-8, attendees chose their favorite color laser-approved water bottle and then decided what they wanted to engrave on it—their name, favorite sports team, or a funny phrase. They learned how to tell the laser what to engrave, place the bottle properly in the machine, and tell the laser to engrave their design.
Supplies for maker programs are provided. Youth maker programs are available to Glen Ellyn Public Library cardholders in grades 3-8. To help ensure that maker programs are available to everyone, Glen Ellyn Public Library cardholders will be eligible to register for one maker program per person per month.