Ste Anne Library opens new space for makers

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This article was published 12/12/2023 (897 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Creators and crafters rejoice, there is a new maker space with a wide variety of tools and devices at the Ste Anne Library.

Everything from a virtual reality (VR) system and 3D printer, to a button maker and sewing machine are part of the space after the library received a $24,000 grant. It is also upgrading its greenspace when conditions allow with a $25,000 grant.

Librarian Véronique Ewen said the number of people coming through the doors on De L’Eglise Street near the elementary and high schools has already grown by 300 patrons since she started. There are now 2,527 patrons, with residents of the town and RM of Ste Anne able to sign up for free.

While the brand new Oculus 3 VR device is expected to draw a lot of attention when it comes hopefully before Christmas, students are already making use of a much older technology that has been brought in.

“I have middle school and high school kids come in literally every day, like between 20 and 50 kids, for buttons. They make buttons,” said Ewen.

It is rare to see kids carrying change in 2023, but quite a few are carrying around quarters to use the button maker in the library.

“And they love it,” exclaimed Ewen.

The 3D printer is also popular with everyone, though Ewen admits the students may be able to create more than she can on it at this point. Luckily there are websites to show how to use it and give design ideas to create.

“I’ve even had some of the middle schoolers come in and ask, ‘Well, can we build our own things,’ because they already know how to use the programming that’s on there,” said Ewen.

The 3D printer is attached to one of three new computers loaded with top creating software from Adobe and Microsoft, including programs to make podcasts with a new microphone and headphones. Anyone under 14 needs a supervisor to use the high-end computer equipment.

There is new gear for all ages, with connecting blocks for the youngest and a new sewing machine popular with the ladies from Villa Youville, according to Ewen.

With Christmas coming up fast, the Cricket machine is ready to make cards and crafts including stickers, vinyl labels and more with printed hand drawings.

“We get a lot of the teens that come in, and younger adults that draw. They’ll come in with their digital drawings and their iPads or laptops or just a USB, and then they’ll make stickers out of them,” explained Ewen.

Use is free, with charges for cardstock and other materials listed by the machines. Anyone who brings their own material can use them for free.

A library is a learning space. Along with VR builder and science programming and language training on the computer, Ewen hopes to get in-person workshops started soon.

“I just wanted different things and different experiences for people to try,” said Ewen.

“We’re going to look at having volunteers come in and try to teach people to sew,” she added.

And while one generation teaches the next how to fix that torn seam, that younger generation may demonstrate how to get involved in the digital world to those not yet accustomed to it.

“We get quite a few seniors who come in and are like, ‘Can you help me? My grandson’s telling me he’s sending me messages on Facebook and … I can’t find these pictures,” said Ewen.

She is very excited to have the money that can go so far in a small library. There is another $10,000 yet to spend from the grant.

“I’m hoping this will help us reach the community and bring more (people with) more resources than just books, because libraries are so much more than just books nowadays,” said Ewen.