KFPL Mini Maker Faire

Julie Druker | Jul 09, 2015

Youngsters and adults of all ages had an opportunity to explore the latest in creative computing and other related technology thanks to a special interactive event put on by the Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL) at Oso Hall in Sharbot Lake on July 3.

The event, titled the Mini Maker Faire, aims to engage youngsters in the latest cutting edge technology and was headed up by members of the KFPL staff. It included a number of interactive opportunities for kids and adults alike.

On site was a 3D printer where visitors had a chance to create their own 3D designs or choose an existing design to have printed out. A number of finished items were on display such as key chains and various toys, including one detailed dinosaur head.

Liz Coates, a teen and new adult librarian with the KFPL, explained the process. A design is first created and loaded into a computer attached to the printer, which then uses a raw plastic filament to create the object. The filament is fed into an extruder, which heats the plastic to 225 degrees Celsius. The plastic then immediately hardens, which allows layer upon layer to build up, creating a finished three-dimensional object.

Coates informed me that all card-carrying members of the KFPL can put in orders to have their own 3D designs printed out at the library's main branch, which can then be delivered to any member branch. At another station of the Mini-Maker Faire, Derek Fenlon, a tech tutor with the KFPL, showed guests something called arduino, a creative computer/electronics kit complete with a detailed instruction guide that shows youngsters the basics of computer technology by showing them how to create their own computer-based electronic objects. The kit shows the users how to program tiny computers called micro-controllers, which causes objects to be interactive. The kit aims to get youngsters engaged in creating their own designs, which can eventually evolve into more complicated objects like robots.

Another attraction at the fair was a special button-making machine, at which a crowd of youngsters and their parents were busy making their own buttons.

Huda Shaltry, programming and outreach staff with the KFPL, was pleased with the turnout for the first time Sharbot Lake event and said that a lot of parents brought along friends with kids. Although the primary aim is to get young ones involved in the various programs the library offers, these can be a relaxing and equally engaging experience for adults as well. One parent said that she spent hours with her kids, who were thoroughly engaged for the entire duration of the event.

For those who missed the first fair, a second KFPL Mini Maker Faire will take place at the Barrie Hall in Cloyne on Friday, August 14 from 1 to 3pm.

Shaltry also made note of a number of summer reading clubs for youngsters and teens as well as the library's “Books Clubs with a Difference” events, which offer adults a chance to meet for relaxed conversations about the books they have been reading. For avid readers in this area, the book clubs will take place at the Cloyne branch on Friday, July 17 and Friday, August 21 at 11am, and at the Sharbot Lake branch on Tuesday, July 28 and Tuesday, August 25 at noon.

A number of programs geared to children and the whole family are scheduled for this summer at a variety of KFPL library branches and include LEGO making workshops, puppet shows, story telling, concerts and more. For a full listing visit www.kfpl.ca