The new Fingal Maker Space at Blanchardstown Library has been officially launched by Mayor of Fingal Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh, Deputy Mayor Cllr Daniel Whooley, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council AnnMarie Farrelly, County Librarian Betty Boardman and Senior Executive Librarian Lilian Whelan.
The Maker Space at Blanchardstown Library is a multi-use, creative and educational community space. It houses a range of facilities and tools including laptops, a 3-D printer and a vinyl cutter. This accessible, dynamic and inclusive space is at the heart of Fingal Council’s commitments under the Creative Ireland initiative. The Fingal Community Maker programme aims to build and support creativity in communities within the Fingal area.
The Maker Space team works with schools in the Fingal area to provide young people with opportunities to take full advantage of the facilities on offer. They also work in partnership with the Technical University of Dublin to provide adult education opportunities. The space facilitates STEAM learning in an informal setting for students that complements their in-school learning.
The Fingal Maker Space is run by Creator in Residence Kate Delaney from Make Create Innovate. Kate is supported by Rhona Byrne, Andrew Carson and Catrina Carrigan. The team has developed a range of inclusive workshops aimed at all ages and backgrounds. These workshops aim to foster curiosity, creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills among participants.
Mayor of Fingal Cllr Seána Ó Rodaigh said, “the Fingal Maker Space is a democratic and inclusive space open to all members of the community and it aims to encourage informal and community learning in an accessible place where young and old can play, design, innovate and learn. This innovative library led project will enhance learning opportunities and community facilities in Fingal.”
County Librarian Betty Boardman said, “the new Makerspace at Blanchardstown Library provides an innovative, creative and collaborative environment for the community in Dublin 15 and in the wider Fingal area. Public libraries have always been early adopters of new technology and the Makerspace follow in this tradition offering opportunities to the public to learn and to develop ideas.”
Source: Fingal County Council