Hart Memorial Library gets creative with its space

The Hart Memorial Library staff has been busy turning a portion of its second floor into a multi-purpose Tech Central creative space for library patrons.

Creative spaces, more widely known as maker spaces, provide expensive, state of the art equipment, such as 3D printers, recording, and video studios and robotics labs, plus associated training and assistance.

TechCentral was due to open on April 1, with two new library staff dedicated to the center, according to Candice Casey, manager of the Hart Memorial Library and Support Services. However that has been postponed due to the coronavirus.

“We are always looking at new ways to meet the needs of our community and offer unique capabilities for learning and personal development,” said Casey. 

The new staff members were hired for their expertise in some critical skills needed in the TechCentral facility and have been training in other areas where they do not have a deep base of knowledge.

Maker spaces are the current trend in libraries. The TechCentral project had to wait until the system-wide renovations of most of Osceola County’s library facilities were completed and the amount of funding available could be determined. In the case of Tech Central, the delay was actually beneficial to Osceola library users. “Our staff traveled to over six other Florida libraries in various stages of developing maker spaces, including Fort Lauderdale. We were able to see different layouts and found out what features proved the most popular, and what other libraries would have done differently”, said Casey.

The full list of features includes Virtual Reality, Mac Lab with Graphic Design software, Robotics and Hands-On Tech Studio, Recording Studio, Photo-Video Studio, and Sewing Studio. The equipment and capabilities of the labs and studios are beyond the normal reach of individuals in terms of expense and space needed. Anyone wishing to use the TechCentral facilities will need an Osceola Library card. Anyone who lives, works or goes to school in Osceola County is eligible to obtain a card. The card and most library services are free of charge.

Once Tech Central is in full operation, the opportunity exists for special learning events. These events can be focused on youth or other specific groups, or specific subjects like computer coding. Competitions can also be held in the various studios.

 Although there is a private partnership with at least one of the spaces, Casey is eager to attract other partnerships and sponsorships to support the individual features. Some of the studios selected directly reflect the skills urgently needed by area businesses. Casey said a good example is the fact that Valencia College has some of the same capabilities on its Osceola Campus, however, students will be able to use the Library’s TechCentral facilities when the college is closed.   Prior to opening, the library is hosting two specific viewings of TechCentral, one especially for educators and the other for businesses.  A specific website for TechCentral, including a reservation system, is in the process of being set up.

In the meantime, updates will be posted on http://www.osceolalibrary.org/ and the library’s newsletter.