Continual Living, Loving and Learning: St. Thomas Public Library’s Maker Lab Brought to you by Nurse Next Door by Peri Hayes
Nurse Next Door
Aaron DeVries, Manager, Digital and Support Services at the St. Thomas Public Library, delightedly discusses their Maker Lab alongside Alan Thomson, Maker Lab Coordinator. With 3-D printers and vinyl cutters available by appointment for nearly a decade, the Library continues to evolve their creative development. The Maker Lab is a resource for building confidence with their equipment and software, as well as connecting artists and supporting the community’s growing innovation in an intentionally collaborative and explorative environment. Launched in March of 2022, Aaron and Alan offer, “The Maker Lab is a public creative space that has a wide variety of equipment, materials and resources that will help you design and complete a lot of different projects.” As Aaron and Alan describe, “We are most excited about our latest addition to the space -- a laser cutter. Thanks to a generous donation from a local family, we were able to purchase a 50W CO2 laser that can etch and cut through many different project materials. We’ve been running introductory courses on how to use the laser, and it has been absolutely incredible watching everyone’s ideas come to life!” Furthermore, various supplies can be cut and engraved on the laser cutter: acrylic plastic, cork, rubber stamp mats, water bottles, or wood. Aaron and Alan continue, “A professional vinyl printer and cutter can be used to design coloured stickers, large printed posters, or heat transfer vinyl for T-shirt designs. Creative design software, such as Inkscape, Adobe Creative Suite programs, Cricut Design Space, or Tinkercad can be used to bring the ideas in your head to a workable file that can then be brought to life.” Entrepreneur, Terrance Tew, shares, “The moment I stepped in the Maker Lab, I met Alan who asked what I was looking to do. The next thing you know, we were on the computer and started printing 300 stickers.” Terrance expresses his gratitude for this opportunity as he enthusiastically proceeds, “I can’t wait to get back and work on some of my prototype merchandise.” In addition to their regular #MakerWednesday feature, the Maker Lab is open to all members of the Library. Becoming a member is an easy and free process which entails speaking with a representative in person, or registering through their stthomaspubliclibrary.ca website. The Maker Lab is located on the lower level at the St. Thomas Public Library, 153 Curtis Street. Their hours
Terrance Tew of Tipsy Pig Spice Co. uses the Maker Lab for his spice labels.
of operation are Monday through Friday from 9:00 am until 8:30 pm, and on Saturday from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.
1-519-859-5070 nursenextdoor.com
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