Makerspace to make it happen at Gympie Library

The Gympie Library will be introducing its very own Makerspace for the general public to enjoy by the end of September 2019.

The new facility ensures that residents throughout the region have access to virtual reality hardware and software, 3D printers, state-of-the-art sewing machines and other technological developments which will drive future employment and enhance our leisure time.

The Makerspace will be built in the area formerly occupied by the Young Adult collection, which has been integrated into the space between the current small meeting room and the local history room. The new facility will serve as a larger, more comfortable area for craft groups, coding and robotics classes, writer’s groups, book clubs and tech savvy seniors classes when it is not being used for technology-based applications.

Councillor Dan Stewart says Makerspaces are now appearing in libraries across Australia and around the world, in keeping with the modern role of libraries as community hubs and centres of learning, knowledge creation and information sharing.

“Makerspaces provide access to advanced technologies that would be out of reach for the average resident, yet they are becoming increasingly important for building skills and ensuring job prospects in a wide range of existing and emerging industries,” he said.

The $60,000 Makerspace is a joint initiative of Gympie Regional Council and the Queensland Government’s $600 Million Works 4 Qld program.