Contact: thinkspot@mesaaz.gov
Community Partners: Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Arizona State University, HeatSyncLabs
Description
The Mesa Public Library System's THINKspot workspaces/makerspaces are located in the library's Main Library and Red Mountain Branch. They are open to all ages and encourage community members to come make things, innovate or create a business! The THINKspot facilities provide hands-on learning in creative environments!
The spaces include 3-D printers, zSpace 3-D computers, iMac computers with photo/video editing software, 3-D design software and more! The THINKspot spaces provide collaborative tables (share your computer/device screen) and rooms with SMARTboards to aid in the collaboration process. The library also offers The Studio, which includes a green screen, camera with tripod and LED lighting.
Outcomes
Achievements to have come out of THINKspot are videos created in The Studio to help small businesses advertise, as well as student created short films. With our 3-D printers, we have had community members create prototypes of their product, first to test and then to provide for funding support. Skills acquired in THINKspot include learning to solder, 3-D design, programming/coding and photo/video editing. The community visits THINKspot to learn new skills to help them with their future, either for careers or hobbies.