The “SPARK Lab” is designed to allow patrons of all ages to have a creative space to explore new technologies, such as 3D printing and design, Arduino kits (an open‐source electronics prototyping platform), Lego Mindstorm Robotics and more. Using the SPARK Lab, the library hopes to introduce patrons and families to technology they may not otherwise have access to, to create programming that encourages STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math) learning and to provide fun activities for the whole family.

“These are educational tools that make learning and understanding electronics fun,” says Lafayette Public Library Director Sona Dombourian. “Who knows what our patrons can create or what they can invent? Our SPARK Lab will give them the tools and space to explore their creativity and their talents.”

Our makerspace was only just launched this month (June 2014), so we are in the very early stages of programming and training. However, we have already seen huge spark in interest from the public, particularly in tween and teen boys, who are excited to use this space to learn and create: lafayettepubliclibrary.org/?p=16714.