WAPAKONETA, Ohio (WLIO) — The Wapakoneta branch of the Auglaize County Libraries is preparing to open its new Auglaize Idea Lab in the coming weeks.
The makerspace will provide public access to equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and a digital media conversion station that can transfer VHS tapes into digital files. Library officials say they raised about $20,000 through grants and donations to purchase the equipment. The selections were based on feedback from a community survey, with the library choosing the tools residents said they would use most.
"We wanted to incorporate something different. We wanted the public to be able to come in and design something, make something to bring home, and this, by all means, isn't all the equipment that you can put into an idea lab or a makerspace. We just got what we thought would be more important to the public, as far as where we're at," said Fred Miller, Idea Lab manager for the Auglaize County Libraries.
The library will offer introductory sessions to teach participants how to use the equipment. More information and class registration are available here.
