Once a week the Coe Library Makerspace hosts a crafting event, where makerspace employees help guide participants through a craft using some of the space’s many unique supplies.
The makerspace is home to 3D printers, sewing machines, and a variety of other crafting tools and supplies, where students and members of the community are welcome to use the equipment to make crafts and projects.
“We’ve made paper. We’ve had DIY challenges with little robots and cars,” said Jane Creyton, head of the makerspace. “[We’ve made] leather notebooks, and stickers, and masks.”
Last Thursday’s event allowed participants to make stickers using Adobe Illustrator and the makerspace’s sticker printer. Free food was provided.
“I think it’s really great to be able to come together around food and an activity and some music and I think that the atmosphere that we’ve built in this space and the inclusivity, making sure that you know we’re asking people’s pronouns and we’re upholding safe behavior in the space has really created a community here that you can’t find a lot of places on campus.” said Creyton.
“We come almost every week. It’s fun,” said Aislyn Brown, one of the attendees. “Just as a stress relief, you don’t have to plan anything.”
Geek Out is new on campus this year after a library patron gave a large donation to create a space for students to be able to stay out late without drinking or participating in other potentially dangerous activities.
“‘How about I give you $25,000 if you stay open late night, one day a week and provide food and activities for students until the library closes?’” said Creyton, recalling the donor. “And so we chose a night that we thought would be popular that students would have available and provide an opportunity for them to engage in Makerspace activities and not have to, you know, engage in drinking activities around campus”
“We’ve still got two events going and we’ll probably start up again next semester,” said Nathan Harris, one of the makerspace employees.
