libraries & things

The La Quinta Library, part of the Riverside County Library System, has a unique library that expands into a MakerSpace. It is called the Creation Station, and it is operated by MakerSpace professionals and funded by both the City of La Quinta and the Riverside County Library System. It is a unique space that offers very cheap memberships to have access to all its equipment. General membership is $50/year, students and military its $10/year, and for all educators it is free. It is a cheap and affordable resource that gives you access to Cricut, 3D printers, sewing machines, laser cutting, sublimation printing, and more. The Creation Station offers workshops to educate their communities on how to use and make their own stuff. People can learn a skill that could be useful for everyday life or for small business owners. They also have a MakerSpace Camp in the summer, where kids are invited to learn and have hands-on experience with tools and various technologies. The Creation Station can be found inside the La Quinta Library. There are staff trained specifically for MakerSpace who run that part of the library. They have their own separate funding and call their own shots on what they need. It expands on the services libraries can offer to their communities. Libraries across the country are evolving and implementing their own MakerSpaces. It has become part of an expectation when visiting a library to have some sort of MakerSpace nowadays. It is a great addition to shaping libraries as third spaces for the community.

https://www.rivlib.net/node/1628

Libraries like Northern Onondaga Public Library and Glencarlyn Library are examples of libraries that expanded their services to build a community garden. In times like these, when food prices have skyrocketed, it is resources like a community garden that can make a difference. Library gardens offer a great way for community members to come together to learn and grow. Creating a garden does not have to be complicated or expensive. Libraries tend to do garden programs in their own unique ways. Community partnerships and local volunteers are key in working together with library staff to make this a successful project anywhere. Local businesses, gardening groups, and other organizations can also have an opportunity to join in and create a beautiful garden. There is also an opportunity for libraries to create programs tailored to help tend the garden. The youth will have an interest in learning how to grow food and plants for programs. As well as opportunities to learn about compost and recycling. Learning about protecting pollinators, and learn about their local ecosystem. Many libraries offer seed libraries as well, so their patrons can grow their own garden right at home. All in all, community partnerships are crucial to a thriving library garden program, and libraries are often lucky enough to have a free plot of land to have room for these gardens. Over 200 libraries in the United States have implemented hands-on gardening programs. It is only going to grow as the years go by. Overall, community gardens are a great addition to any community!

https://www.shareable.net/community-gardens-are-cropping-up-at-public-libraries-everywhere/

https://www.ranchomiragelibrary.org/

https://ranchomirageca.gov/our_city/city_boards___commissions/library___observatory_foundation.php