The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines "makerspace" (noun) as a communal public workshop in which makers can work on small personal projects.
The Medina Library Makerspace is just that — a free space to make things. This bright, engaging, area, located in the Family History and Learning Center, features sewing and embroidery, laser engraving, 3D printing, a large format printer for banner and sticker printing, button maker, Cricut, T-shirt press, sublimation printer and much more.
“I help a patron regularly for laser engraver appointments. She is not very tech savvy and has been through a lot in the past year. This week she told me her appointments are the highlight of her week,” says Madison Thomas, Makerspace Associate.
The Makerspace is ideal for small business and non-profit promotional needs. Main Street Medina, Medina City Schools and Saint Francis Xavier Church are just a few of the regulars.
“The Makerspace is a gem in our community. We frequently use the services to economically and quickly create banners. The staff in the Makerspace is very easy to work with and knowledgeable. We have watched the Makerspace evolve and grow, continually adding services based on user feedback,” says Amy Busby, Medina City Schools Director of Communications.
Adjacent to the Makerspace is the Digital Lab, featuring equipment for conversion of old reels, videos or slides into digital files. Film degrades with age, and memories will be lost if not converted. Take family movies out of the box in the basement and share them on YouTube. Surprise your parents or grandparents with the best gift imaginable, access to forgotten cherished memories.
This summer, the Makerspace and Digital Lab is hosting a Christmas in July event, meant to encourage patrons to plan ahead for their gift-giving season and get an early start on creating.
The 2022 holiday season hosted a record-breaking number of appointments. By starting early, patrons may enjoy extended appointment sessions if no one else books the time and more attention from staff. Appointments are highly recommended so you’ll never have a wait and staff can offer assistance, if needed.
Also in the Family History and Learning Center is the History Collection. Medina Library is the hub of Medina County genealogy research. Staffed by experts with more than 50 years of experience, the team approaches each search as a mystery to solve.
“We love history and mysteries. We can help you discover your ancestors and teach you how to preserve your family’s stories for future generations,” says Lauren Kuntzman, FHLC Manager.
The Center offers genealogy classes, Zoom events with national leaders in the field and online resources to help launch your genealogy search. Get started with the Introduction to Family History guidebook available online and in the library. The online Obituary Database has death notices from the Medina County Gazette dating back to 1859, Ancestry.com Library Edition is available at all MCDL locations free with a library card and search Medina High School yearbooks dating to the 1910’s. There’s so much available online and waiting on the shelves of the local history collection. “The stories really pull you in. Genealogy research is addicting. What started as my hobby is my professional calling,” says Lisa Rienerth, FHLC Associate.
For more information, to view all the Makerspace equipment and to schedule an appointment, visit Mcdl.info/History-Collection or stop by the Medina Library and a staff member will show you around.
“I’ve made many visits to the library to work on copying slides/videos, making posters and engraving glassware. This team is incredibly helpful, professional, friendly, knowledgeable and problem solvers.” - Kurt V., Brunswick
