Library doubles the size of Ottawa’s only free, and public, makerspace

_ (via Ottawa Public Library) _ The Ottawa Public Library’s Imagine Space will reopen on Friday, January 29 after undergoing an expansion and receiving improvements. The popular makerspace, located at the Nepean Centrepointe branch, closed for the upgrades on November 23, 2015.

The improved Imagine Space now features:

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an 820-square-foot space, making it possible to offer more programs;

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a second, larger and more powerful laser cutter, to help reduce wait times; and,

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a dedicated green wall for photo/video shoots, making it more readily available to use.

“The expansion of this Library service continues to help build a sense of community, learning, and sharing that has developed among our customers,” said Tim Tierney, Chair of the OPL Board and Councillor for Beacon Hill-Cyrville. “Making this technology available has encouraged creative projects and innovation, and we’re excited to continue to support Ottawa’s maker community with the Imagine Space at OPL.”

Since it opened in April 2014, Ottawa’s first public makerspace has quickly become a highly-used and valued service. More than 1600 customers have been certified to use the equipment and that number grows every day. Across the city in recent years, OPL has hosted many 3D printing demos across the city, and OPL’s mini Bookmobile includes maker equipment such as a 3D printer, a drone, and Makey Makeys.

For complete details, please visit the OPL website at www.BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca , call 613-580-2940 or email InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca . _ The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is the largest bilingual (English/French) public library system in North America, with 34 branches, physical and virtual at _ _ BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca _ _ , mobile libraries, and a vending machine library service. OPL’s mission is to inspire learning, spark curiosity, and connect people. Follow us on Twitter _ _ Twitter.com/OPL_BPO _ _ and like us on Facebook _ _ Facebook.com/BiblioOttawaLibrary _ _ . Contact us at 613-580-2940 or _ _ InfoService@BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca _ _ . If it’s out there, it’s in here! _