Maker Studio returns to East Lansing after two-year hiatus

MONDAY, March 28 — Have you ever wanted to make something with a 3D printer? Want to etch something with a laser cutter? 

You can do both of those things and more at the Maker Studio in the East Lansing Public Library. The studio reopened on Saturday (March 19) after a two-year closure because of the pandemic. 

The Maker Studio is a resource for community members of all ages to use, offering different tools and programs for visitors to explore their creativity — and maybe learn a few things, too. No library card or membership is required. 

Library Director Kristin Shelley said that books are only one of the ways that the library shares knowledge and innovation. She’s excited that the Maker Studio is open again. 

“It’s essential to us and our mission to make knowledge accessible, so reopening the Maker Studio connects the East Lansing community with resources and programs that they may not be able to access on their own,” Shelley said. 

Dr. Eric Berling, who is the library’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) specialist, said that the Maker Studio is “based in helping patrons explore their curiosity and express their creativity.” The studio is a way for community members to learn and create, no matter their age. 

“Modern libraries are increasingly centered around sharing resources, skills and building community,” Berling said. “Our Maker Studio provides a wide range of STEAM programming for all ages, and also connects patrons to resources like our laser cutter, sewing machines and 3D printers.”

Berling added that the resources available at the studio appeal to a variety of community members “with a lot of diverse creative interests.”

Equipment like laser cutters, sewing machines and vinyl cutters are available to patrons by appointment. Those interested should reach out to Berling at eberling@cityofeastlansing.com to discuss their project. 

To make use of the 3D printer, guests can submit their projects online and pick up their creations at the circulation desk in the library. 3D printing costs are set at 10 cents per gram of printed project.

With the studio open again, its events and programs have also returned — like the kid and teen program, Maker Mondays, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. There, visitors can participate in a rotating lineup of activities like cardboard building and wood etching.  

LEGO Thursdays — also from 4:30-5:30 p.m. — will return April 14. The program will give kids (ages 6-14) the opportunity to freely build with LEGO bricks or follow along with an instructed build. And beginning April 19, kids can attend Wonder Lab, which will consist of various hands-on experiments. The library encourages advanced registration.

Visit elpl.org for more information about the Maker Lab and its programs.