Library patrons are demanding more and more from their libraries, and the Dubuque Carnegie Stout library is responding. It's raised enough money to start renovating part of the second floor into a Maker Space.
Director, Susan Henricks, says the library already has lots of equipment for patrons to use, but it's usually in storage. The list includes iPads, MacBooks, robots, 3-D printers, and electric circuit kits.
Libraries have always been in the book business, but Henricks says they've been flexible and expanded to include other materials.
The Dubuque library's new Maker Space will allow the equipment and technology to be available to patrons. And the staff will get extensive training to help teach them how to use it.
It should open by the end of the month.
Henricks says the library has $17,000 left to raise to pay for the projects. Grants from the Carnegie Stout Public Library Foundation and Carver Charitable Trust will help pay the $167,000 bill. And a private donor has offered $50,000 if others donate the remaining $17,000.
