Fayetteville Free Library unveils creation lab as part of larger renovation

(From left) FFL president Nancy Durkin, executive director Sue Considine and New York State Senator John DeFrancisco cut the ribbon to unveil the library’s new creation lab. Photo by Stephanie Bouvia.

By Stephanie Bouvia

As of Saturday, June 30, 2012 -9:22 p.m.

Fayetteville Free Library members will now be able to use up and coming technology, such as 3-D printers, green screens and editing software, in the library’s new “creation lab.”

FFL officials unveiled the lab on Friday, June 29, at 10 a.m. to New York State Senator John DeFrancisco. The lab, officials said, will allow community members to use emerging technology that might otherwise not be attainable.

Photo by Stephanie Bouvia

The new creation lab at the Fayetteville Free Library includes a 3-D printer, Mac computers, two "maker bots," a green screen wall, a scanning station and various editing software.

“The library is more than the collection on the shelves, or the programming; it’s about creating an opportunity for making and creating,” said Sue Considine, FFL executive director. “And how we do that is by creating access to technology and software and hardware that allows the community to come together and make.”

The creation lab is one part of a larger renovation project that the entire library is undergoing. On Thursday, May 24, New York State Senator Dave Valesky announced a $250,000 grant to help the Fayetteville Free Library develop a business center and “fab lab” in an undeveloped part of the building.

The creation lab is located in the teen space of the library, and includes Mac computers, a scan station, a creation station with two “maker bots,” editing software including the Adobe Suite and a green screen wall. Library members will also be able to sign out video cameras and other equipment.

Patrons of the Fayetteville Library can use the lab for two-hour blocks of time upon presenting a valid library card.

Lauren Britton, transliteracy development director, said both “maker bots” were donated to the library. The rest of the equipment in the lab was funded by a $10,000 award the library won at a Contact Summit in New York City. The library also raised an additional $4,000 through website idiegogo.com.

Pete Cioppa, FFL director of teen services, said the library will be starting a Lego robotics club that will join the New York State league in the fall. Team members will construct robots, this year’s theme is “assisting seniors,” Cioppa said. He and Britton will be coaches for the team and will attend competitions around the state.

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