Nappanee Library Events This Week
By JESSICA FLORES
Communication Specialist,Nappanee Public Library
Events and clubs at Nappanee Public Library this week:
Makerspace
The new makerspace, which has been taking shape inside the Nappanee Public Library since September, is now open to the public. Defined as collaborative, do it yourself spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn, makerspaces are popping up in libraries across the country, and NPL is proud to be one of the first in the area.
The Cube is home to a 3D printer and scanner, die cut system, VHS/DVD converter, sewing machine, serger, ring binding machine, pin-back button maker, opaque projector, laminator, printer and more.
“NPL has always thought of itself as a proactive library and a community meeting place. Now with our own makerspace, we are taking community engagement to a whole new level,” says library director, Lissa Krull.
“It’s exciting to offer a variety of equipment to our customers that they can actually use themselves, not just hear about or dream of owning. Our plan is for The Cube to constantly evolve. We want to highlight new technology, projects and ideas and inspire folks in our community to become makers, tinkerers, crafters and problem solvers. Our hope is to have community members become our active partners in this project, working with each other in ways none of us has ever thought possible inside a Library.”
There will be a grand opening and ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at the library in celebration for the new makerspace. The event is open to the public and guests will be able to take a self-guided tour of the room and equipment, learn about upcoming programs, and discuss how the space might evolve. Giveaways and light refreshments will be available through the day.
The Cube will be open to anyone, not just Nappanee residents. The 3D printer is currently only for use by cardholders.
Several monthly programs have been scheduled for 2015 in The Cube, including Teen Tuesdays, Pinterest Nights, Maker Moms, and 3D printer training. For more information on these programs, call the library or check the website at www.nappaneelibrary.org
Tuesday Tales
Eudora Welty once said “Listening children know stories are there. When their elders sit and begin, children are just waiting and hoping for one to come out, like a mouse from its hole.”
Listening children of all ages are invited to a new series of family story times at the library from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday afternoons. The winter session of Tuesday Tales is now underway. Library staff and special guest storytellers will share a variety of enchanting classic and modern stories throughout the end of the year.
Tuesday, Jan. 6, the children’s librarian will read “The Smiley Snowman” by M. Christina Butler. Additional books may be read based on the audience. No registration is required.
Teen Tuesdays
Kids in grades sixth through high school are invited to learn the art of Zentangle at the next Teen Tuesday program at the library. From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, teens will meet in The Cube to learn the basics of this special method for doodling. Zentangles are miniature pieces of unplanned, abstract, black and white art created through a very specific method from an ensemble of simple, structured patterns called tangles.
All materials will be supplied, but kids are welcome to bring their own favorite notebooks, pens or other drawing materials to work with. Snacks will be provided and no registration is necessary.
Kids Crafts
Celebrate the season with an accordion snowman craft at the library. From 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, kids will have the opportunity to drop in on this special activity in the children’s department.
Craft day is held at the library on the second Saturday of each month in conjunction with Nappanee’s city wide Second Saturday events.
For information about any of these programs go to www.nappaneelibrary.org or call (574) 773-7919.