Library Launches Makerspace

With a $7,500 state library grant and additional funding from the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library,  a new Digital Design Studio is taking Plainfield into the "maker" world, a realm of creativity that is sweeping the country. In June, President Barack Obama hosted a first-ever Maker Faire in the White House.

Tina Marie Doody, the library's head of Public Services, views the huge scanner/printer that will produce posters and more.

While 3-D printers have hogged the headlines with their ability to replicate objects including human body parts, the Plainfield library is focusing on 2-D applications such as posters and art. Plans call for non-profit organizations, art students and individuals to use the computer and printer. Doody said the choice was made "because we have such an active art community in Plainfield and so many different organizations."

Diego Licht, the library's Makerspace and IT manager, demonstrated on the Wacom HD tablet how an old photograph can become a large print, enhanced by use of special paper.

 
Images on the tablet can be modified as needed.

To the right, behind the monitor, is a large print made from a photo taken by Jackie Schnoop for the library's annual photo contest. The framed print was presented to her on Nov. 15 when she won first prize in the contest

Cheryl O'Connor, director of the New Jersey Library Cooperative known as LibraryLinkNJ, gives the tablet a try by drawing her favorite doodle. The organization provided the library's $7,500 Makerspace grant.

Deputy State Librarian Peggy Cadigan was on hand for the Digital Design Studio opening, and also explored the tablet's possibilities. (See more about the New Jersey State Library.)

Licht displays the various-sized pen nibs that are among the tablet's many features.

The Makerspace can be used to create in-house posters for the library's four display areas, such as seasonal reading lists. The Plainfield Symphony is a likely candidate for the two free posters per year the library will allow for non-profit organizations. A continuous paper roll on the printer allows for banners of any length. The computer can even help with quilt design. There will be a fee-based service for some items.

In all, the Digital Design Studio is a 21st Century resource that dramatically broadens possibilities for Plainfield's arts and cultural community. Library Director Joseph Da Rold welcomes all to learn more about the studio.

--Bernice