Come In - Classes Are Fine At Main

                         Danny with his Koi & Joanna's Manatee 
These pictures are an example of how Main's library staff can enjoy classes Makerspace has to offer.  Earlier this year Children’s Manager Chiquita Powell, participated in the Makerspace Acrylics class taught by Librarian II Raelyn Wiirre who works as Arts and Culture Curator. Check out the fab landscape she created!  A couple of months ago Main Children’s Associate Danny Menendez participated in the Makerspace Watercolors class taught by Main’s Marcie O’Dell. See what a great koi fish painting he made.  YS Librarian II Joanna Nigrelli participated in last month’s Watercolor’s class that focused on Silhouette Art. Her Florida manatee inspiration turned out, as you see, well done. So, don’t be shy; check out the many classes you can take FREE in the Main Library Makerspace. 

                             Chiquita (and Smiley Face) are pleased with her results.

Can You Help?

Hello sewing enthusiasts!

Need to clean out your overstock and scraps of fabric, thread, ribbon, etc.? The Makerspace staff is seeking donations of fabric and such to have materials on hand for customers to use during classes and demo sessions. For fabric scraps, we would like bits about the size of a fat quarter and larger. For everything else, we will take what you send. Please send donations to the Main Library Jax Makerspace, Atten: Stephanie Boilard. If you aren’t able to send items through delivery, let me know and we can arrange for staff to pick things up.

Please let me know if you have questions.

Thank you!!

Stephanie Miller, Manager

Main Library Youth Services & Jax Makerspace

Lighting The Way For Improvisation

Forty one enthusiastic kids and caregivers enjoyed the “Beacons of Light” lantern craft program, March 19, 2018, in Main’s Makerspace.  Special Collections Library Associate Catherine Currier opened the workshop with a brief explanation of local maritime lighthouse keeping in conjunction with lanterns over the years. Riffing off this theme, she then presented several colorful handmade lighthouse lantern designs. The project incorporated different varieties of recycled plastic and Styrofoam beverage ware, torn strips of colored tissue paper, Mod Podge, and yarn.

Shown above, the inside of the lantern cup. The star is on the bottom of the cup, to allow light to shine through the colored paper.

                                   The base of the lantern.

Library Assistant Paul Schaffner, who assembled the prototypes in advance, was instrumental in funneling supplies to the participants who kept arriving in waves. The hour long workshop elapsed quickly and only one participant left their colorful creation behind.  Catherine and Paul agreed, "Improvisation was the ticket and everyone was delighted to have a fun activity on the first day of Spring Break." 

New Exhibits At Main Open

More than 150 people attended the February 14, 2018 opening of Banksy’s Haight Street Rat and Writing on the Walls: Visual Literacy Through Street Art Exhibits.

 

The Haight Street Rat was created by Banksy in 2010 on the side of a San Francisco bed and breakfast. The 2017 film "Saving Banksy" focused on the piece and the collector and street art curator, Brian Greif.  Greif worked diligently to conserve the piece, preventing it from being appropriated for commercial gain or vandalized by other street artists. We were honored that Grief joined us at the opening.

Our Jax Makerspace gallery features a coordinating exhibit, Writing On The Walls: Visual Literacy Through Street Art Culture, with street art from local artists.  These exhibits will be up through April 14, 2018.  (Thanks to Raelyn Wiirre, JPL's Arts & Culture Curator, for the article and photo credit credit goes to Iryna Kanishcheva.)

Go, Makerspace!

From a customer, November 9, 2017:  "I was born and raised in Jacksonville but moved away for college. I stayed away for an additional 15 years but I moved back to Jacksonville ten years ago. I had never been to the downtown library. I was introduced to it through Markerspace. I doubt I will ever visit another library. I have now been to every opening and look forward to attending events here. Markerspace has reminded me of why I always loved the library. Now I'm back to visiting the library to read magazines and newspapers, to check out books and audiobooks, or to just go and have a quiet space to read. I forgot how much I loved to read! Not only has Markerspace given me a place to go experience amazing art and culture but it's given me back a part of me that I was missing. So thank you, Jacksonville Public Library System for the amazing work you are doing there!"

Come On In; The LIVING HISTORY Exhibit IS ON!

The Jax Makerspace gallery in the Main Library is proud to be showing Living History: A Cultural Mosaic from November 1, 2017 – January 28, 2018. This newly curated exhibit features a selection of mixed media works from eight talented local artists with diverse backgrounds. Each artist and art piece was specifically chosen to express stories of migration, finding refuge, and making a home in Jacksonville through varying cultural traditions and perspectives.  

Some of what you will see:   3,360 photos

https://photos.app.goo.gl/zSZhaKGFAMpKMdO03

Video

https://youtu.be/0b8q3F8q6EE

 Programs such as expert talks, book discussions, artist demonstrations and more will be held in the Jax Makerspace to complement the exhibit. For example, native chefs will share how their cultural backgrounds influence their food.  Sohrab Fracis will read from his novel, Go Home, and in January, we will have an Alexander Hamilton Day with a Hamilton karaoke and trivia. Search the calendar of events using “Living History” to find programs and see the JPL Marketing Information Sheet for more information.

For newcomers, The Jax Makerspace gallery is a part of the 25,000 square feet on the first floor of the Main Library that has been transformed into a collaborative space for artists, musicians, hobbyists, techies, writers and more. Explore and create, meet new people and access the library’s many resources for more information about creative pursuits.

Up Next:  The Jax Makerspace gallery will feature the Picture This: A Showcase of Local Illustrated Pages exhibit from February 7, 2018 – April 24, 2018. This exhibit has been planned to coordinate with the second Jax Book Fest in March 2018. It will feature original illustration works and related programs that can range from graphic novels to maps. This will be that first show to receive submissions via a “Call to Artists”. The Jax Makerspace will also feature a second exhibit titled Collective Lands from 5 UNF Department of Art & Design students.

JPL exhibit guidelines and policy can be found on our website at https://www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/services/exhibit-policy. You can also email miaclark@coj.net for more information. 

Thanks to Mia Clark for the article and to Justin Keiser for the photos and video.

Inaugural Maker Con At Main

Several hundred customers enjoyed the events at the Main Library's first Maker Con, Saturday, October 14, 2017. Attendees learned about 3-D printing, robotics, zine-making, and cosplay. A group of Jedis read to the younger crowd, while a team of Ghostbusters entertained people of all ages. The most popular events were the Cosplay Contest, a presentation called “The Art of the Animatronic” by Sally Corporation, and the Lego Robotics workshop by Renaissance Jax Lego Robotics League.  (Thanks to Raelyn Wirre for her input.)

Treat yourself to the link and see the fun everyone had:   https://flic.kr/s/aHsm5R1T3r

Makerspace Marks Milestone One

Sara Radovic, Jax Makerspace Coordinator and her team have seen a lot of action during their first year.  Here Sara recalls the successes of the first year of this new adventure and gives us an update of what is to come.

"The Jax Makerspace marked its one-year anniversary in August.  The inaugural Makerspace program celebrated National Coloring Book Day, August 2, 2016, when 67 people attended our debut.  Flash forward a year and the Makerspace has had 408 programs attended by 7,202 people!

"Our vision is to be a place for making things, so the Jax Makerspace offers hands-on opportunities to explore, collaborate and create.  Makerspace programs respond to the stated interests of our customers in one of these five areas (or “tracks”):  Arts & Crafts, Do-It-Yourself (DIY), Music, Tech, and Writing.  Some of the most popular examples include: Intro to sewing machines (Arts & Crafts); Bicycle maintenance 101 (DIY); Guitar lessons (Music); 3D printing basics (Tech); and Writing circles.

"Most of the Makerspace programs are taught by JPL staff, both from Main and other branches. There are so many staffers that have been a part of the launching team that we can’t name them all here, but you (and your supervisors!) know who you are, and we heartily thank you!  We’ve also partnered with many other organizations to offer programs, including Zen Cog, Women Writing for (a) Change, and World Affairs Council Jacksonville, just to name a few. 

 "Since October 2016, art exhibits featuring many talented local artists have been held in the Jax Makerspace Gallery.  With a focus on contemporary art and expressed in a variety of mediums such as painting, screen printing, textiles, and videography, the exhibits explore a unifying theme.  The artists pitch in with programs, too, such as giving talks and hands-on demonstrations in the Jax Makerspace, which provide insight into their process and craft.  Past exhibits included Kesha: A Black Female Experience of Identity and Race, Jovian Treasures, and Altered Objects.

"We also offer a variety of DIY craft kits, with themes such as loom knitting, origami, and

duct tape crafts.  These include all necessary supplies and instructions to make your own take-home creation!  We have STEAM building kits like LEGOs and Tinker Toys.  Who doesn’t like to build stuff with these? 

"Our newest addition is the equipment that we have made available for self-directed use.  You can now reserve guitars, ukuleles, a green screen, and sewing machines in the Makerspace!  Recording equipment will soon be available, followed shortly by photography and video equipment!" 

"We continue to test programs and equipment to understand customer interests while assessing our ability to meet those needs within the logistical considerations of the space.  We are using this input to design and construct a better Makerspace, designing activities that are responsive to our community’s needs in a space that people want to come back to, time and time again!  Come join us to explore, collaborate and create!"

Eclipse Program Was Sunshiny Day For Main

Main Manager of POP & Makerspace Kathleen Brunner said, "We’re excited about the success of the eclipse program done in the Makerspace recently! We had a gate count of 1,100 people between 10 am and 1 pm, August 19, 2017, and the line was wrapped around the entire perimeter of Makerspace.  Over 300 people completed the program stations, even though we only had 185 solar glasses to give away."

Makerspace Update

Don Carpenter reports, "Crafts are starting to boom in Main's Makerspace. Crafternoon: Mend Your Own Business, a program teaching the fundamentals of needle and thread sewing, is doing well. And Sew Good, a program teaching sewing terminology and sewing machine basics is progressing seamlessly. We have had a total of 16 classes with 90 participants and a success in anyone’s book! 

"Recommend them to your customers and come and attend them yourselves.

"Mend Your Own Business is from 10 to 11, Saturday, July15, and Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:30. Sew Good is on Thursday, July 6 and 20, 3 to 5.

"Remember, when you make it yourself, it’s whatever size you say it is."

Altered Objects & Jax History For Art Walk

Deputy Director Jennifer Giltrop gets a review of  the time when Jacksonville was called Cowford.

Main's Special Collections department provided customers with interesting historical input during Art Walk, May 3, 2017, with an event celebrating local and community history.  Several local history organizations participated, including Riverside/Avondale Preservation, Springfield Preservation and Revitalization, the Mandarin Museum, the Durkeeville Historical Society (pic below), the Jacksonville Historical Society, Norman Studios, and the Cowford Archaeological Research Society.

May is Jewish American Heritage Month and in Special Collections visitors could see and hear testimonies of Holocaust survivors.  

Makerspace captured everyone's attention on the ground floor. The new exhibit, Altered Objects, is not the ordinary and If you are innovative and/or an art connoisseur, it is well worth the trip to Main.  The exhibit will be up until July 23, 2107. 

Is Your "Light Bulb" On? Ideas Needed!

Sara Radovic, who manages Makerspace, offers you an opportunity to set your creative juices in motion:  "Do you have an idea for a Makerspace program?  Would you like to teach a program in the Makerspace at Main?  Drop us a line at jaxmakerspace@coj.net.  We'd love to hear from you.

"Jax Makerspace is a place for making things; for hands-on opportunities to explore, collaborate and create.  Programs offered in the Makerspace fit within five tracks:  Arts and Crafts, Do It Yourself, Music, Tech and Writing. Since launching in August 2016, we've offered 200 programs within these tracks, including guitar lessons, African dance movement classes, writing circles, digital photography basics and much more.

"For more information, including our upcoming events, follow us on Facebook. Thanks!"

Job Well Done Award: Shawana Brooks

Shawana Brooks earned a Job Well Done Award, March 21, 2016, for her tireless work on the Kesha Exhibit presently in Main's Makerspace. Shawana organized the exhibit by recruiting local artists and community leaders to support it, and promoted Kesha via social media, print media and television appearances. She coordinated the installation of the exhibit and worked with CR&M on flyers and other marketing tools. Main Library Manager Lynne Baldwin, who nominated Shawana, said, "To her credit, the exhibit has attracted customers who might never have visited the library and Kesha has touched the heart of the Jacksonville community." Region Manager Michael Sullivan presented the award to Shawana. 

Main Boosts Artwalk To High Gear

Main's Don Carpenter said, "With 786 people in attendance at the March 1, 2017, Artwalk, the Main Library added a big draw contributing to another success.

"Inside Makerspace, the vivid, delicious JAX Book Fest cake was purchased by Main Manager Lynne Baldwin and was a magnet to the refreshment table in the Book Fest 2017 Poster Exhibition. The cake mirrored the winning poster beautifully and was quickly

devoured by attendees. Big thanks to Lynne for providing the cake and dishing it out!

"This month we recognized the contributions of local women writers and gave them opportunities to discuss their craft. Dr. Jennifer Leiberman was there along with Rainey & Emily, poets from the UFC Program. They read their works aloud, promoted Read 66, and took questions.

"The Build Your Own Bookmark Program and the Zine Creation Station, with guest Zine publisher Lindsay Anderson, were also popular and will likely be repeated.

 

"Michael Sullivan, unable to find the pot at the end of the rainbow, helped promote the Leprechaun Ears Program, a hit with the kiddies.

"Also making its debut was #JaxBookFace. Insert yourself in a favorite book cover and don’t forget to tag us!If you’re not regularly attending Artwalk, you’re really missing out on something special.

Job Well Done: Raelyn Wiire

Raelyn Wiire received a Job Well Done Award, February 6, 2017, from Main Manager Lynne Baldwin.  Lynne said, Raelyn coordinated the Deck the Chair project at the Main Library and demonstrated leadership, creativity and team building. She formed a committee with volunteers from the Main Library and Urban Core branches to create a library themed holiday display using a large orange Life Guard Chair as part of the Deck the Chairs event which focused on creating a strong community in Jacksonville.  Raelyn and the committee created a design plan for the chair and used a small budget for the decorations.  She also worked with Jackie Spiritas from PCR on the design contest for customers, which included a design idea for the chair featured in the Deck the Chair event at Jax Beach in December.  Raelyn also coordinated the installation of the chair, signage promoting the chair and did a great job with the placement of it. The sparkling white lights could be seen throughout the first floor in the Maker Space area and could be seen from the Conference Center level. It was an interesting way to promote library services to the community." 

Climate Change Discusstion At Makerspace Event

Main's Jax Makerspace (JMS) featured “The Climate Is Changing; Are You?", January 15, 2017.  It was a 2 1/2 hour panel discussion on climate change and the First Coast community.  The program was inspired and hosted by Matt Colaciello whose Facing The Frontlines photography exhibition is on display until January 26 at Main. Sixty-one participants  registered in eVanced, and Mr. Colaciello also streamed live video of the program via his Facebook page where there were around 600 views.

Some of the subjects that were addressed were:  Ways to address climate change in your community; global warming has already begun to affect the First Coast region; and know what the rest of the century may look like for us.

Panelists were Shauna Allen, National Park Service; Professor Gellars, UNF Department of Political Science; Maria Mark, UNF Environmental Center; and Lisa Rinaman, St. Johns Riverkeeper.

The Sound Of Music At Main's MakerSpace

Josh Jubinsky uses the Main Library's new Maker's Space to teach guitar lessons on Tuesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 1 pm.   With the City's assistance, Josh accumulated ten guitars and took time to restring each one so novices don't sound "twangy" and possibly become discouraged.

Interest in these guitar lessons has grown so they are adding another program,  Audio Explorations “Guitar Workshop”.  Josh, a Children's Library Associate encourages us to spread the word, "Just starting to play guitar? Come learn something new from a local musician. Experienced guitarist? Come teach someone something new! Jax MakerSpace is facilitating weekly guitar workshops in September. Join us to engage, learn from, and help teach Jacksonville's guitar enthusiasts, every Thursday in September, 4 p.m. - 6 p.m."

Classes are for all ages--old enough to hold and learn guitar.