If Not for the Library

Community: Engagement, Partnership & Impact

Computers in Libraries, 2015

Sue ConsidineExecutive Director

Fayetteville Free Librarysconsidine@fflib.org

Leah KrausDirector of Community

Engagement & Experiencelkraus@fflib.org

Fayetteville Free Library •Suburban public library in upstate NY, chartered to serve 10,000

•Early adopter of making in libraries

•3 distinct makerspaces – FFL Fab Lab, Creation Lab, and Little Makers

Making @ the FFL

Inviting Community Participation•Capturing conversations

Programs led by Community:• 1-on-1 appointments: 3D design(Sketchup,

Solidworks) Adobe (Photoshop, Illustrator), sewing

• Monthly Clubs: Robotics, Electronics, Books & Brownies (YA book discussion club)

• Weekly Clubs: Quilting, Knitting, Craftastic Critters

• Series: Home Repair, Cooking, Painting, Self-Help, Yoga, Smart Play, French discussion, Gardening, etc.

• One-time programs: Young Scientists, Sew-a-thons, Terrarium-making, Local History programs, etc.

For the Community, by the Community• 2012: 19 classes, clubs and programs led by

community volunteers

• 2014: 288 classes, clubs, one-on-one appointments and programs led by community volunteers

Example #1 – SewingClasses, clubs, events and spaces developed for community members, by community members

Sewing- Qualitative Impacts“What happened next was thrilling: people came ‘out of the woodwork’ to learn to sew, but so did many who knew how and wanted to share their knowledge. Donations of machines and fabric and supplies also magically appeared.”

“Since early retirement, I’ve been sewing again, mostly alone. Imagine my excitement about a group setting!”

“Ages 7 to 84+ are involved in sewing.”

“The FFL describes itself…as a place where people can come together to find resources for the learning that they themselves desire. I’ve seen it happening in the Fab Lab…the connecting, sharing, learning.”

Sewing: ImpactsQuantitative impacts: In 2014, community members:•Led 35 sewing lessons, 42 Quilting Club meetings and 5 all-day Sew-A-Thons•Made 200+ items for local charitable institutions from donated fabric •Had over 400 attendances at sewing classes, clubs and events

Example #2 – Lego Robotics

Lego Robotics: ImpactsQualitative Impacts: Coaches witness students who didn’t know each other before working together, building friendships and confidence, & developing innovative solutions to problems, both technical and societal. They are learning to not be afraid to fail–the mindset of an innovator!

Quantitative impacts: Over 100 students have deepened their development of 21st century literacy skills, including: teamwork skills, creative problem solving, coding skills, and engineering skills.

Example #3- Geek Girl Camp

Geek Girl Camp - ImpactsQualitative Impacts: Forming community of STEM girls and women; making STEM topics and careers cool and accessible

Quantitative impacts: 65 girls in grades 3-5 have deepened their STEM skills and interests, and have been exposed to female role models in STEM fields

75% retention rate, which exhibits that a community is forming

Example #4- FFL Fab Lab

FFL Fab Lab- ImpactsQuantitative impacts:•3D printer certified: 3,087 individuals• 8,963 hours of print time have been logged

•Laser cutter certified: 103 individuals

•Sewing machine certified: 44 individuals

•3D modeling classes: 47 Solidworks classes and appointments, 15 Sketchup classes, 185 attendees

FFL Fab Lab- ImpactsQualitative impacts:

Capturing Stories

Motion Activated Switch by Peter Daly

FFL Assessment Tool

FFL Proposal Template

Any Questions?

FAYETTEVILLE FREE LIBRARYHOMEPAGE: WWW.FFLIB.ORGFAQS FOR LIBRARIANS: WWW.FFLIB.ORG/MAKERFAQS MAKING! WWW.FFLIB.ORG/MAKE TWITTER: @FAYETTEVILLELIB

SUSAN CONSIDINEEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SCONSIDINE@FFLIB.ORG