Hamilton County Libraries Maker Rally
If you’d like to explore your creative side AND check out the innovative Makerspace locations at three nearby public libraries, the Hamilton County Libraries Maker Rally is for you!
Westfield Washington Public Library, along with Carmel Clay Public Library and Hamilton East Public Library have come together to offer a fun and hands-on opportunity to stop in and familiarize yourself with their Makerspace labs and studios, and you’ll be invited to design and build your own cute wooden toy in the process. This Maker Rally is for teens (ages 14+) and adults, and Makerspace staff will be available to help.
Your Maker Rally Stamp Booklet is available to pick up at any of these three locations, and it will guide you through each library’s activities. You’ll have your booklet stamped after you complete your activity at each of the three locations. All materials for your toy will be provided, free of charge. You don’t need a library card to participate in the Maker Rally.
How it Works:
Begin at Carmel Clay Public Library in the Digital Media Lab. Their guided activity sheets will help you design your own unique wooden toy using the library’s iPads or Macs. Then you’ll prepare your design for the next step, laser cutting. (Estimated time: 2 hours)
Your second stop will be Westfield Washington Public Library’s Annie Gotwald Makerspace and STEM Lab. You’ll be introduced to their Glowforge laser, and this is what you’ll use to engrave and cut out your design. (Estimated time: 45 minutes)
The third and final stop will be the Ignite Studio at Hamilton East Public Library in Fishers. Here you’ll be painting your toy using an acrylic painting kit, and then your project will be complete! (Estimated time: 1 hour)
You can visit these three locations and complete your project over the course of multiple days or weeks, as the Maker Rally will run from February 2 through April 25. Feel free to take extra time to explore all that these incredible creative spaces offer, even beyond this specific project.
Need an Extra Push?
Kick-Off Rallies are scheduled at the Carmel Clay Public Library on the following dates, if you’d like an extra push to get started on your project. The Kick-Off events provide more hands-on help with these drop-in activities, but attendance is not required.
- Thursday, March 12, 5:30–7:00 pm
- Wednesday, March 18, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday, March 31, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
- Thursday, April 2, 5:30 – 7:00 pm
- Monday, April 6, 2:00 – 3:30pm
- Thursday, April 9, 4:30 – 6:00 pm
When You’re Done:
Once you’ve completed your project, you may choose to come to the Maker Rally Reception on Saturday, April 25, from 2:00pm -3:30pm, at Carmel Clay Public Library’s Digital Media Lab. Bring your completed toy and share it with other participants! You can also submit your creation for judging. Each of the three participating libraries will be selecting a winner. Enjoy light refreshments and photograph your creation in their Photo Light Box. Details about the Maker Rally Reception and a registration link are available here.
Unleash your creativity and enjoy learning more about what your local public libraries have to offer through this unique collaborative opportunity. We’d love to see you in our amazing Makerspaces!