They may be crafting in rooms left empty by grown children, they may be tinkering in dark recesses of basements, or they may be building the next “green” car right in their own garages. Wherever and whoever they are, Wilton Library is looking for them to participate in its first ever Innovation Day on Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Applications are being accepted now through March 31. The day is sponsored by MakerBot, the 3D printer manufacturer, and Bankwell in Wilton.
According to Susan Lauricella, Maker Space coordinator and head of Teen Services, “Wilton Library has wholeheartedly embraced the makers movement and is looking to showcase anyone and everyone who is enthusiastically creating things involving STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math).”
Since the inauguration of its Innovation Station makers space in June, 2014, the library has been holding technology classes in 3D printing, die cutting, soldering, electronic sewing, and digital scanning. Using tools such as a MakerBot 3D printer, an iMac with Final Cut Pro, a PC with Adobe Creative Cloud, a digital scanner, a VHS to DVD converter, a Cricut Die Cutter, soldering stations, a 3D Doodler, an electronic sewing machine, hot glue gun, markers, duct tape, pinking shears, pliers, and screwdrivers, the station is equipped to fit any DIY (Do-It-Yourself) maker’s dream lab. “Now it is time for community members to show us what they’ve got so that we can all learn from each other,” Lauricella added.
Demonstrations, presentations and workshops already registered include the library’s Young Makers Club comprised of kids in grades 7 – 11 who have been working on their projects since January, the Center for Contemporary Printers, a 3D Printer printed by a 3D printer and open source Robotics Platform, a demonstration of the library’s new Orion 10015 Starblast 4.5 Astro Reflector Telescope, demonstrations by the library’s Singularity Technology Robotics Team and its robot, an embroidery table, a children’s tech sandbox, dollhouse making and more.
The library is looking for categories that include but are not limited to robotics, Arduino projects, interactive art projects, home energy monitoring, amateur rocketry, sustainability and green technologies, woodworkers, electric vehicles, handmade musical instruments, flower arrangers, die cutters and more. There will be no selling of merchandise or services, but exhibitors are free to distribute information or accept orders for their products or services.
Lauricella noted, “There is so much available talent in Wilton and surrounding communities. We’ve seen that just from the people who have shown an interest, visited or used our Innovation Station. This is the time for them to shine!”
The online applications may be completed by visiting Wilton Library’s website. The deadline for applications is March 31, at which time they will be reviewed and makers will be notified by April 15. Acceptance will be based on available space and a balance of topics and exhibitions.
For more information, visit the library’s website or call Susan Lauricella at 203.762.3950, ext. 243. Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Rd..