Visit the New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL)

Welcome!  

Today I'd like to introduce you to the New Haven Free Public Library's (NHFPL) Ives Squared Tinker Lab.  There are several branches of the NHFPL and the Tinker Lab is located at the main branch, right across from the New Haven Green.

If you live in Connecticut, in order to access the library's resources, all you need to do is bring your library card and a photo I.D. with your current address and speak to a staff member.  They'll have you fill out a short form with your contact information and get your card registered to use at the NHFPL.  Once your card is registered, you can use any of the library's services.

The Tinker Lab is very easy to access through the main entrance of the library.  You'll find it to the right through a large archway. The space is bright and open.  

One thing I love is that they have incorporated bookshelves with books on everything from crafting to coding to D.I.Y. all around the room.  

When you first enter, you'll also see that they have computers available for creating files to use on the various machines.  You'll need to use your library card to log in to the computers to work.  While each machine has it's own computer, it's preferred you use the stand alone computers for design work. This is both to free up the machines for use and also because the various machines and computers have time limits.

Something to keep in mind is that several of the machines require training for safety reasons.  These include the 3D printer, laser cutter/etcher, vinyl cutter and Carvey CNC machine. Until you take the training, your library card will not be given access to logging in at these particular machines.  You can also request a training on other offerings like the embroidery machine.  The library offers a couple of avenues for training. 

One way is to watch their online video and then come in for a twenty minute "test" with a librarian to make sure you understand how to use the machine.  They ask that you call before coming in to test so that they can make sure someone is available.  

The second way is to use their online schedule to come in for a one on one session with a librarian, who will walk you through the use of the machine and do the test all at once.  I opted to schedule an appointment since I'm a hands on learner.  The one downside to the one on one sessions is that they only open a few sessions in the schedule at a time.  They open the dates for 2 weeks out each Monday.  So, if you have a deadline (gift making perhaps), this can be tricky.  I wanted to learn how to use the laser etcher and rotary attachment, which requires two certifications, so between forgetfulness and the classes booking fast, it took me several weeks to get my card registered for both.  The great part is that I can now use the laser etcher whenever I'd like.

I've visited this makerspace several times and I've noticed there is usually someone using a 3D printer.  It's obviously a popular offering.  There is a sign above reminding folks that they are limited to one print per day.  The Cricut machine is also at this station.

While the Cricut machine can cut vinyl, the vinyl cutter is available for larger pieces.

The Carvey CNC is for, as you can imagine, carving.  As with many of the machines, you can see examples above on the wall.

There are items that have been made on the various machines on display too.

I also appreciate that there is ample signage to give people information and note the rules.  

There are four large work tables in the middle of the space.  I've seen folks hand sewing, using the embroidery machine, making collages, and more.  I will also note here that there are many labeled cabinets that I haven't explored.

One thing I didn't take think to take a picture is the great instruction guides at every station.  They are laminated and have an O ring to keep them together.  They can be found on the counter or hanging from a peg on the board near the machines.  That way, if you have forgotten a step in completing your project, you can refer to the instructions.  If that isn't enough, I have found the library staff to be very friendly and willing to help.

While I've only covered some of what the NHFPL Tinker Lab offers, I hope I've given you enough of a tour to peak your interest in visiting!

Who, What, and Why?

Hello and Welcome Everyone! 

    I thought I'd start off by telling you a bit about me and the purpose of this blog.  My name is Kelly and I'm a lifelong lover of books and libraries.  Now that my children are grown, I've decided to shift gears and change my career.  In September of 2023, I entered the graduate program for library and information science at Southern Connecticut State University.  

Photo of a headshot of the blog writer, Kelly,

a smiling woman with short green hair and brown eyes, wearing cat eye glasses.  

She is wearing a black and white striped thermal shirt.

Tattoos of collar bones and an open book can be seen on her upper chest.

    In addition to my passion for reading, I also love to create.  As far back as I can remember, my imagination has been guided by stories, crafts and art.  In fact, over the past year I've been working on a project that ties these interests together through ceramic art.  So, when it was time to choose courses for my first semester of the program, I was excited to see one titled "Libraries and the Maker Movement."  Taking this course is a way to further connect my favorite pastimes.

Photo of a series of ceramic objects including a book with the title "Faery Lore"

 surrounded by ceramic mushrooms, a small misshapen ceramic bottle with cork, 

a jar in the shape of a faery house with a pointed roof and a miniature stack of ceramic books.

    Full transparency, this blog is a class assignment.  Given the choice of a podcast, video series, or blog, I've opted for this format. I've chosen this so that I am able to share visuals as well as text.  I'm hoping to create a resource for folks looking for more information on the makerspaces available in Connecticut libraries and the tools they have available as well as tutorials somewhere down the line.  While the class assignment only requires a handful of posts, I'd like to keep this blog up as I familiarize myself with makerspace tools and continue my journey to becoming a librarian.  

    Connecticut Library Makerspaces - More Than Books is a door to connect with other Connecticut residents and share the wonder that libraries have to offer.  While books are what drew me to libraries, I understand that not everyone has had that experience.  We all have different interests and ideas and they don't all come out of a book.  Libraries are an amazing source of information and not everyone is aware of the wide array of offerings they can find in them. I'd like this blog to help connect people to the library resources that interest them.

    All of that being said, I've never created a blog before.  I'd like to say that all my content will be excellent going forward. However, I know that mistakes are part of the process of creation.  It may be messy.   For example, I can't seem to figure out where to change the background color of the text for title of this post from black to green.  I don't know the best way to caption photos for accessibility, so right now one caption in this post is double spaced and the other is not, because I haven't figured out how to fix it.  I also suspect that as I have new ideas, this blog may become more, or less, focused.  The format may change as time goes on.  I may forget a step in a process or leave out an important photo.  I accept the trial and error of creating and will send this post out into the world anyway.  Let this be the first lesson I share with you on the journey into makerspaces: It doesn't have to be perfect the first time around. Get messy, make mistakes, and have fun!