February 12, 2014 2:33 pm

Edmonton Public Library launches makerspace

The Edmonton Public Library holds grand opening for its makerspace, Wednesday, February 12, 2014.

Mike Simpson, Global News

Edmonton – The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) has opened one of the first ‘makerspaces’ in Canada.

A makerspace is an open area that provides people a chance “to learn, create, collaborate and discover with free access to the latest technology and equipment.”

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“In a startup friendly city like Edmonton, full of talented minds with bright ideas, it only makes sense to continue to break down barriers and expand on what we share when it comes to our resources and our services,” said Linda Cook, Edmonton Public Library CEO.

The space features a large green screen, 3D printers, high performance computers and design software, robotics kits, and a dedicated video gaming area. The space also allows users to self-publish on an Espresso Book Machine – which prints books – and convert older media to modern formats through a digital conversion station.

“In the short time that EPL Makerspace doors have been open we’ve people of all ages and abilities in here, learning, collaborating, discovering, and creating,” said Cook.

Mayor Don Iveson – who’s also served six years as an EPL board member – attended the EPL Makerspace grand opening Wednesday morning at the Stanley A. Milner Library.

“Let’s not lose sight of the fact that the library is actually one of the busiest places in our city and a huge attractor of people, families and people from all backgrounds,” explained Iveson.

The makerspace is open during regular library hours.

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© Shaw Media, 2014

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