The Chicago Public Library will open the CPL Innovation Lab at the Harold Washington Library Center next month. The Pop-Up style maker lab will open its door on July 8. Initially trialled over six months the space is intended to offer makers — and indeed anyone in the Chicago area — a hands-on, collaborative learning environment with resources to design, create and build items and share knowledge.
The venture has been made possible with a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to the Chicago Public Library Foundation and the Maker Lab will be open to the public from July 8 through until December 31, 2013. According to the CPL a number of maker spaces do already exist in Chicago, but this will be the first free maker space open to the public.
Created in partnership with the Museum of Science and Industry, the Library’s Maker Lab offers the public an introduction to technology and equipment that enables new forms of personal manufacturing and business opportunities. After the six month run, the Library will evaluate the project to determine the fit with the Library’s mission and the ability to bring the project, or elements of it, to a wider audience in the neighborhood branches.
In terms of resources, the Lab will offer access to a variety of software such as Trimble Sketchup, Inkscape, Meshlab, Makercam and equipment that will include three 3D Printers, two laser cutters, as well as a milling machine and vinyl cutter.
Commissioner Brian Bannon commented on the venture: “We are thrilled to be able to offer Chicagoans the opportunity to learn firsthand new technologies and skills used in today’s manufacturing at the library. The Maker Lab is the first of several ideas we plan to test over the next few years in the Innovation Lab, as we focus on expanding access to 21st century ideas and information to our communities.”
Source: CPL
