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Osceola County Commission Chairman, Brandon Arrington right, and Commissioner Viviana Janer watch Library Advisory Board member Noah Ziegler operates an audio station that is available for podcasts and other work at TechCentral the Hart Memorial Library. PHOTO/OSCEOLA COUNTY
Osceola County residents are now finally able to learn and create in a new tech-rich “TechCentral” makerspace at the Hart Memorial Library in Kissimmee.
The space has been undergoing a gradual opening since April 17, after being delayed one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility is following current pandemic protocols, including masking and social distancing.
The purpose of TechCentral is to provide library patrons “specialized tools that can help visitors develop skills needed in a variety of educational and career paths, as well as for their own personal enrichment,” according to the library’s website.
TechCentral’s goal is for each area to link with local schools and businesses within Osceola County to provide real connections for potential careers and degrees,” said Candice Casey, the library’s zone manager, whose responsibilities include TechCentral.
The creative space offers various activities and technologies designed for user engagement and creativity. It features two 3D printers; Virtual Reality with Oculus Rift, Quest, and Go; an iMac computer lab with Adobe Creative Suite; Brother sewing machines and sergers; a recording studio for audio and voice recordings; photography studio green room with various backdrops, lighting equipment and a product photography box; and a Lego-based robotics lab for children with instructor-led classes.
The 3D printers can be accessed remotely through the library’s website and items printed “on-demand” after uploading a computer file. Printed items can then be picked up at either the Hart or Buenaventura Lakes library locations.
Except for the robotics lab, the age range of the other studios is 12 and older. Several areas require a user to complete an assessment before being able to book a space. Each space has technicians that will be available during opening times, and classes by experts are being planned. Currently, the sewing studio has instructors that worked for Disney sewing cast member costumes and backdrops.
“We will always need additional expertise, “said Casey. “If you have experience in any of these areas, please contact us.”
The makerspace was created during the renovation of the Hart Memorial Library, and once construction costs were established, surplus funds were dedicated to developing and equipping Tech Central. Any future additional/expanded capabilities, or additional locations, will depend on additional funding from Osceola County, and currently, there are no plans beyond maintaining the current facility.
The Tech Central makerspace area is located on the second floor of the Hart Library and is available Tuesday through Thursday, from 2 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays are being dedicated to scheduled classes. The center is closed on Sunday and Monday.
More information about Tech Central, booking hours of operation, assessments, and training times are available at https://www.osceolalibrary.org/techcentral.
