Blackstone Library is offering our second set of free Learning Labs to teach teens 3D printing, circuitry, programming and sewing all spring long!
We are proud to announce that we are the recipients of a competitive grant from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), which combines federal and state funds to allow libraries to offer special initiatives. We are using the LSTA funds to expand our MakerLab program offerings with Learning Labs for teens. The Learning Labs will be held in Summer 2015 and again in Spring 2016.
Learning Labs at Blackstone Library are free maker camps for young adults, ages 12 and up.
There are three spring sessions. The goal of each session is for teens to learn new skills, meet other makers, gain confidence in themselves and their abilities, and, most importantly, to have fun. Teens who participate in the Learning Labs and who wish to help teach will be given the opportunity to sign up to be volunteer Learning Labs Leaders in the future. Learning Labs will run from February through April.
Registration for all three sessions is required. Please call Youth Services to register, 203-488-1441, extension 323. The Spring Learning Labs session will begin in February 2016.
SESSION A – 3D Printing
Session A is an introduction to 3D Printing. Participants will learn how to design, create and print 3D files with instructor Randolph Pareja. Mr. Pareja has previously taught 3D printing to young adults at the New Haven Free Public Library, and is looking forward to working with the teens of Branford. The 3D Printing classes will be held on Saturdays in February, from 10:00 AM to 12 PM (2/6, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27).
SESSION B – Arduino, Circuits, & 3D Printing
Learning Labs Session B will take place in March. This session will be taught by instructor Jim Davis, who has previously taught 3D printing, circuitry and Arduino at the Blackstone Library. Mr. Davis will teach participants how to use computer programming and circuitry combined with an Arduino board, sensors, LED lights and 3D printed objects to create a working electronic project. Arduino classes will be held on Saturdays in March, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM (3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26).
SESSION C – Wearable Electronics & Sewing
The last of the summer Learning Labs (Session C) will be held in early April. This exciting session will show participants how to use conductive thread and LED lights to create a wearable electronic project. Teens will learn the basics of sewing and circuitry from instructor Zenaida Barrios, and will create a lighted project they can wear! Ms. Barrios has previously taught sewing to adults and teens at the Blackstone Library. Learning Labs Session C meets Saturdays, April 2 and 9, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Support for Learning Labs is provided by the Connecticut State Library (CSL) and the Institute for Museum and Library Sciences (IMLS), an independent federal agency whose mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement.
