Kimball Library Turns High-Tech Page

Kimball Public Library is one of 30 libraries statewide chosen for a program to let library visitors use high-tech equipment to make various items – such as signs, personally designed T-shirts and pin-back buttons and much more – at bargain prices.

Or for free.

All while they learn skills for life or business.

"It's different," Kimball librarian Jan Sears told The Observer. "It's kind of changing focus. Libraries are about education. Instead of reading a book, this will focus a bit on entrepreneurial activities."

The project is called "Library Innovation Studios: Transforming Rural Communities." The studios feature "Makerspaces" for folks to learn and practice skills involving:

• Digital fabrication with a 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter and CNC router.

• Fabrics with a heat press and embroidery/sewing machine.

• Digital media creation with filmmaking and digital photography.

• Music technology.

• Specialized software, such as a button maker, laminator and basic hand tools.

• Electronics with prototype kits, micro-controllers and robotics.

In Kimball, the equipment will be available to the public March 1 to July 8. An open house to showcase it all is planned for March 9.

"We had to really show that we were going to use this" to be selected for the program, Sears said. "I think it's kind of exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Our minds are kind of swirling with ideas."

Library patrons will be able to use the high-tech equipment for free. The only charges, in some cases, will be for inexpensive supplies available at the library.

For example, people wanting to design T-shirts could use the heat press for free and provide their own shirt and photo for the design, but they would pay a modest $3 for a new shirt from the library. And those wanting to make pin-back buttons for, say, groups or sports teams, could provide their own photos but would pay 20 cents per button. Among the other available devices will be laser cutters to make etchings on such materials as paper, cork, wood, glass and fabric.

To help make room for Innovations Studios equipment, the library plans a book sale 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2.

The library also will need volunteers to train on the equipment and, in turn, train visitors how to use it. The equipment will be made available to school classes, too.

"Those seeking new skills, thinking about starting a business or experimenting with an idea can experiment and learn here," Sears said. "Over the next several weeks, many training sessions will be offered in the library."

Kimball is partnering in the venture with the Nebraska Library Commission, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Nebraska Innovation Studio, Nebraska Extension and regional library systems. The goal is to bring together local libraries, Extension educators, 4-H youth development specialists, business leaders, development professionals and volunteers, community organizations, educators and others to use library Makerspaces to help build their communities.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded a National Leadership Grant of $530,732 to the Nebraska Library Commission to support of the effort. Some of that is being used for Kimball to be involved.

"Nebraska's public libraries are the natural gathering points for people to come together to share materials, knowledge and experiences," Nebraska Library Commission Director Rod Wagner said. "Whether the materials and tools are high-tech or low-tech, digital or analog, art or science, the focus is to create, invent, tinker, explore and discover using the tools, materials and knowledge available. Libraries have always been dedicated to community partnership, collaboration and the free exchange of ideas. Makerspaces are the next step in that progression."

Gov. Pete Ricketgts said the "partnership demonstrates how our Nebraska communities can use technology and education to empower community residents to create, learn and invent. By expanding the skills of the workforce in our communities, supporting entrepreneurs and encouraging lifelong learning, this partnership reinforces our vibrant business climate and supports community development."