WESTFIELD – The Westfield Memorial Library will celebrate NJ Makers Day with STEAM programming and events on Saturday, March 21 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. throughout the first floor of the library. New Jersey Makers Day is a statewide event that celebrates and promotes making, tinkering, crafting, manufacturing, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematicsbased) learning. A grand opening of the new Makerspace with tours for the public will be held during those hours as well. The Makerspace is a place for residents to take advantage of maker tools to learn, design, and create. In instructor- led classes, participants will learn how to use maker equipment such as 3D printers, a laser cutter, a poster printer, and other tools and equipment that can be used to bring ideas to life.
Some of the Makers Day events include Battle Bots Jousters with LEGO Master Corey, an Instrument Petting Zoo from the New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, and a decoupage bookmark making activity for adults (registration required). There will be tables set up around the library where makers of all ages can engage in STEM activities presented by community groups, including the Westfield High School Robotics Team, UCVTS Robotics Team, New Jersey STEM Innovators, and other local organizations.
The library will host two events that lead up to Makers Day: a Toy Making Workshop presented by Beam Camp on Wednesday, March 18, from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. and an evening of crafting for adults who want to bring their own project and socialize at Crafterdark on Thursday, March 19 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.
In the Toy Making Workshop, children ages 7 and up are invited to get creative with new and exciting ways to make toys. They will get hands-on experience with alginate mold making, expanding foam casting, and needle felting to create unique, squishy toys to take home. All materials are provided and children are encouraged to “dress for a mess!” Registration is not required. If the space reaches capacity, children may be asked to wait until space opens at one of the maker stations.
For more information about Makers Day or the Makerspace, visit https:/ /wmlnj.org/makerspace/ or call 908789-4090.
