Library to bring creators together virtually to learn, swap ideas

Library to bring creators together virtually to learn, swap ideas

For those who enjoy art of hands-on creating, the Fort Worth Public Library invites you to join a growing community of “makers” in sharing their work and ideas. This fall, life-long learners will find three programs each month designed to connect and grow the community.

All three programs are online because of COVID-19.

“Keeping ourselves safe doesn’t necessarily mean keeping ourselves isolated,” said Jessica Romero, Public Education Specialist at the Golden Triangle Library. “I’m excited to provide some much-needed fun, in-home educational projects.”

Golden Triangle is one of two Fort Worth Public Library facilities with purpose-built creative labs. The other is the Northwest Library, which will celebrate 10 years of operation in November.

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“I am excited that Maker 101 programs launching this fall will hopefully inspire the next generation of maker,” said Ian Garland, Public Education Specialist at Northwest. “I also hope it inspires adults to realize that being a Maker doesn’t just stop when school ends. Being a maker covers such a wide range of topics, some of which you might not even think are a maker skill.

Maker 101 programs will present a new project each month. A limited number of craft bags with the needed supplies will be available at the Northwest Library and Golden Triangle locations. However, projects usually require only household items that many people already have on hand.

Two weeks after each Maker 101 program, there will be Maker 101 Follow Up that features live Q&A sessions, resource sharing and a virtual gallery to show off creations.

Additionally, each month a Maker Showcase will feature an interview of a guest from the maker community. Learn about their creative process, how they got their start, and how they hope to inspire the next generation of future makers.

Garland said the time is right to embrace the maker community, now more than ever. “We need the makers’ creativity, ingenuity, and even their humor to help us all navigate this unprecedented time.”

Romero agreed.

“Makers can thrive in times of adversity with creative solutions, grit and perseverance,” she said. “My personal goal is to empower our patrons to learn a new skill, hone an old one, or even find hidden reservoirs of ingenuity during this time. I’m looking forward to talking with the public about all the surprising skills that surface as a result of our virtual programming and meetings.”

Find the schedule of events below and more information about each program here.

Maker 101: 3 p.m. on first Wednesday of each month (via Facebook and YouTube)

  • Sept. 2, Wiggle Art Robots
  • Oct. 7, Clone and Grow Your Houseplants
  • Nov. 4, Hand Sewing Basics
  • Dec. 2, Embroidery Basics

Maker 101 Follow Up: 6 p.m. on third Wednesday of each month (via Zoom)

  • Sept. 16
  • Oct. 21
  • Nov. 18
  • Dec. 16

Maker Showcase: 2 p.m. on second Saturday of each month (via Facebook and YouTube)

  • Sept. 12
  • Oct. 10
  • Nov. 14
  • Dec. 12

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