FOUNDATION PROVIDES FUNDING FOR FURTHER EXPANSION OF LIBRARY DISTRICT MAKERSPACE FACILTIES

Foundation members were present on a Saturday morning this past March when the Library District opened its 975-square-foot MakerSpace at the Headquarters Library. Our contribution of $50,000 (which included grant funding from the Ehrhart Family Foundation) helped build this significant expansion of the ACLD’s ability. As the district website states, the purpose of the new MakerSpace is “to help support digital and technological literacy in Alachua County and to provide access to new technologies for little to no cost.” It is well-equipped with, among other pieces of equipment, 3D printers, a laser cutter, Cricut cutters, and sewing machines.

At the Grand Opening, ACLD Director Shaney Livingston noted that the MakerSpace movement emerged early this century and that the district has embraced this idea by providing equipment and spaces in its twelve branches. The newly added space at the HQ Library, however, takes the concept to a new level in what it provides library patrons.

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