The Riverside Public Library offers budding inventors and engineers the opportunity to explore new technology using equipment that may not otherwise be available to them.
While the written word remains the core of library services, the downtown Riverside Public Library offers more than just books.
“You don’t get shushed in the library anymore,” said Tonya Kennon, Riverside Public Library director.
She notes that you can see everything from kids involved in structured play to community members using new technology.
“We know that play is the business of children and that play leads to imagination and socialization and these are building blocks for literacy.”
In June, the library unveiled its new MakerSpace, a “do-it-yourself” section of the library where customers have access to computers, innovative software and other high-tech tools to create everything from business tools to art.
The MakerSpace equipment includes a sound recording studio, iMacs and Mac Books, Legos, K’nex building tools, littleBits electronic building blocks, Squishy Circuits electronic play dough and Makey Makey electronic-making kits.
Library members have access to all the equipment on a first-come, first-served basis. Kennon noted that the true value of MakerSpace rests with the staff.
“Everyone may have access to these tools, but they may not have the skills,” said Kennon. “Having that specialist is still important. You need a living reference point.”
MakerSpace also offers the use of a 3-D printer, which was funded by a joint effort of seven local Rotary Clubs. Such printers have been used around the world to create a variety of objects, from tools used on the International Space Station to prosthetic limbs. Kennon noted that it has been a popular new feature.
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A few members of the community have used the 3-D printer to create prototypes that are being considered for patents. Kennon was careful not to share what these prototypes might be, but was excited about the potential for Riverside inventions. Her favorite experience so far with the printer however, helped a Riverside girl read.
A woman mentioned to staff that her blind daughter needed Braille blocks to further her reading, but she couldn’t afford the $500 to pay for them. The staff member suggested they see if the blocks could be printed on the 3-D printer.
“We were in tears,” said Kennon. “It would have cost her $500 and now she has printed several at no cost. The staff could have just listened, but we seek ways to meet the needs of our community.”
The Riverside Public Library has strong community support rooted in Riverside’s history. There are endowment funds with The Community Foundation to support the institution created by local Riverside philanthropists.
Recently, the city showed its support with Measure I, which supports library operations. The measure had an 85 percent passage rate, which Kennon noted is almost unheard of in a time when libraries in many other municipalities are on the brink of closure.
“We are still lean with staffing, but there were even leaner years and a lot of folks stepped up,” said Kennon.
Kennon encouraged members of the community to come see the results of their support and to tell others about the resources that are available. Future plans include a MakerSpace with 3-D printers in all of the branch locations, as well.
“The library is still a vibrant place and the community’s living room,” said Kennon. “It’s a self-educating place where it doesn’t make a difference how much money you’ve made or how much experience you have. Libraries are quite a happening place.”
For more information, contact the Riverside Public Library at 951-826-5201.
The Community Foundation’s mission is to strengthen Inland Southern California via philanthropy.