Alan Groombridge is head hacker-maker-tinkerer at the Lakeshore library in Alcona.
Tinkerer?
“I think a lot of the terms we as a library use now are a lot more playful and a little cheeky,” said Groombridge. “For example, my job title as ‘lead tinkerer.” A tinkerer is typically someone who putters about and fixes things, or cobbles together weird inventions from the bits and pieces lying around. A jack-of-all-trades who is allowed to approach his work more playfully – to fail and fail often, as a process of learning and improving through multiple iterations.”
It’s all part of the Innisfil library’s recent evolution – away from books and magazines, to become the Innisfil ideaLAB & library, a “community kitchen” that embraces a hacker-maker ethic of creativity and hands-on solutions to challenges.
Groombridge oversees the “hackLAB” space, where computers, 3-D Printers and vinyl cutters are available for everything from craft projects to solutions to specific real-life problems.
“Hacker” used to have a negative connotation, and still does in some contexts. But at the library, Groombridge said, “we use the term ‘hacker’ as a reference to taking ownership of new technology, of culture-making and learning how to mold it all for our own purposes.”
Speaking from the hackLAB where he was overseeing a laser job, he explained, “In a more literal sense, it means that whenever possible, we try to use free or open-source solutions. Having access to 3-D printers, vinyl cutters, laser engravers and audio-visual production equipment gives us the ability to contribute to our own culture and ideas, rather than only consuming what others make.”
To celebrate the hacker-maker ethic, the Innisfil ideaLAB is hosting its 5th Annual MakerFest on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Lakeshore Branch, 967 Innisfil Beach Road.
From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the public is invited to come in and interact with artists, artisans, robotics engineers, 3-D technology, virtual reality – exploring a full range of human creativity and ingenuity, in an interactive setting.
“MakerFest is the show-and-tell for the whole community,” said Groombridge. “It is a chance to learn all about the interesting objects our neighbours are making. By sharing the stories of creative making, others may be inspired to try what they might not otherwise even know was available."
Visitors will be able to play with the library’s robots, try out the 3-D Printer, watch artisans create, and learn a craft.
“We have local leather workers, soap-makers, brewer suppliers, jewelry makers and even live glass torch work, all happening at our fifth annual Maker Fest,” said the lead tinkerer. “People are free to come join in the fun, ask questions, and imagine what might be possible for themselves to make, too.”
Organizers are still looking for makers and tinkerers interested in sharing their artistry, creativity, and technology at the 2019 celebration of Marvelous Makers. For more information, click here.
Gloss