NEWS For Immediate Release September 25, 2012

Contact: Amy Sargent

CHICAGO — At 1 p.m. CDT on Oct. 17, the Public Library Association (PLA) will host a live, hour-long webinar, “ Make Way for Makerspaces at the Library ” with Lauren Britton, transliteracy development director at the Fayetteville (N.Y.) Free Library, and creator of the first public library makerspace, the Fayetteville Fab Lab.

Makerspaces are innovative spots that introduce patrons to tools, like 3D printers and makerbots, not normally found in the library and offer patrons the opportunity to explore their interests, use new tools and develop creative projects. During this PLA webinar, participants will learn all about makerspaces including what they are, why public libraries should think about developing them and what elements need to be incorporated. Lauren will share project and programming ideas and examples of current library makerspaces, as well as answer attendee questions.

Registration for “Make Way for Makerspaces at the Library” costs $28 (PLA Members), $31.50 (ALA Members) and $35 (Nonmembers). Groups of any size can register for individual webinars for $129.

For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit PLA’s website at www.pla.org. PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.

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