Headquarters Library to hold Grand Opening for the new MakerSpace on March 22

Press release from Alachua County Library District

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Alachua County Library District is excited to announce the Grand Opening of the new MakerSpace at HQ. Join us on Saturday, March 22, at 9:30 a.m. at the Headquarters Library in downtown Gainesville for a ribbon-cutting and ceremony. During the Grand Opening, patrons will get to tour the new 704-square-foot facility, see demonstrations on how 3D printing works, and learn about resources the Library District has to offer in this new space.

The MakerSpace at HQ was created to help support digital and technological literacy in Alachua County and to provide access to new technologies for little to no cost. This will be a space where patrons can share their knowledge with other individuals and work on creative projects in an open collaborative environment. Patrons can work on personal creative projects during open lab time or learn how to use the various pieces of equipment and technology by taking a class offered by the Library District. The Library District will also partner with community groups and local experts to provide workshops and coding classes. 

There will be 3D printers, a laser cutter, Cricut cutters, and sewing machines—including an industrial sewing machine that can handle heavy-duty fabrics. The space will also have laptops for coding activities and creating 3D models, button makers, paints, markers, colored pencils, large paper cutters, a large stapler, and a variety of electronic hardware like micro:bit electronic kits, Arduinos, and Makey Makeys.    

“We hope that the MakerSpace can provide patrons the opportunity to learn new skills and gain exposure to new technologies,” said Joe Baca, ACLD MakerSpace Librarian. “We also hope the MakerSpace can become a hub of creativity and community connection.” 

Come join us, explore the Library District, and discover what MakerSpace is all about.

Who: Alachua County Library District
What: Grand Opening of the MakerSpace at HQ
Where: Headquarters Library, 401 E. University Ave. Gainesville FL, 32601
When: March 22, 2025, at 9:30 a.m.