Masters of their craft: Elizabeth Taber Library launches new makerspace

MARION — Laser-engraved bookmarks, embroidered tea towels and 3D drawings are just a few things Elizabeth Taber Library patrons can now craft at the library’s new makerspace.

At the library’s makerspace launch on Tuesday, Aug. 19, attendees were treated to demonstrations of how to use the library’s newly acquired machinery and make various crafts.

“I think it’s going to make us an incredibly creative space,” said Library Director Elizabeth Sherry of the makerspace equipment. 

New machinery includes 3D drawing pens, an embroidery machine, a sewing machine and a chomp saw.

The new Cricut Mug Press and Cricut Hat Press are used to embellish mugs and hats with custom designs and text.

The Brother PE900 embroidery machine can be used to embroider designs on t-shirts, aprons, sweatshirts, sweatpants and more.

“People can really use the embroidery machine to customize anything they might like,” said Children’s Librarian Macy Davis, who provided demonstrations on how to use the machine.

Library patrons can bring custom designs or choose from a catalog of pre-existing designs.

“If you can thread a sowing machine, you can thread the embroidery machine,” said Davis.

The Glowforge Aura machine is used for laser cutting and engraving a variety of materials for crafting.

“It can cut and engrave wood, leather, acrylic paper [and] fabric,” said Davis.

Prior to the launch, she made small ghost-shaped earrings, a key chain with the library’s logo, and a small cell phone stand using the machine.

Davis stated that the library plans to establish classes and themed events to teach library attendees how to use the equipment and make specific crafts.

“We’re gonna make Halloween masks using our chomp saw so we kind of have a variety of programs for kids on the books, and we’ll be adding more options for adults as we move into fall,” she said.

Donna Lavallee of Fairhaven attended the event with her granddaughter after seeing it mentioned in a local newspaper.

“I am not very good with all these tech things [and] my granddaughter is very artsy and craftsy, so I thought we should go over here,” she said.

The duo crafted buttons, watched a tutorial for the Cricut Maker 4 machine and drew using the 3D pens.

The library was able to create the new makerspace equipment with $30,000 worth of grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, according to Sherry. 

Part of the grant funding was also used to fund a year-long creative programming initiative, which brought artists to the library to teach classes about glassblowing, basket weaving and copper stamping.

Users of makerspace equipment must have a valid library card and sign a waiver to agree to the makerspace policy. Additionally, users under the age of 16 must have a youth waiver signed by a parent and be supervised when using specific heat tools or cutting equipment.

“We’re very excited to be able to have more opportunities for people to interact with technology and make that available to our community,” said Sherry.