Allison Fitzpatrick, Reporter
@allisonfcourant
For the past three years, Michelle Luhtala, Head Librarian Chair, dreamed of bringing a Makerspace to the NCHS Library. This year, Ms.Luhtala’s dream came true.
Makerspaces are a new trend taking over libraries and schools across the world. A Makerspace is a creative space, where students can gather to create, invent, and learn, using 21st century problem solving skills.The average Makerspace has all different sorts of materials such as Legos, markers, glue, and different types of fabrics, to help students expand their creative horizons. “ The goal of the Makerspace is to not only help students solve their problems, but to help them find their problems, and then learn to solve them”, Ms. Luhtala said.
However , preparing for the Makerspace was a demanding task, that took a great deal of effort. In order to make room for the Makerspace, the library underwent some serious changes. “We had to clear 18 shelves of books, making the library five years newer,” Ms.Luhtala said. After clearing the bookshelves, there was a vacant space in the library, ready to be made into a Makerspace.
The librarians worked countless hours over the summer to turn the idea of the Makerspace into a reality. New Principal, William Egan, also wanted to be part of the innovation of the Makerspace. “It is great to have Mr. Egan on board with us because with new projects here are growing pains,” Ms.Luhtala said.
After gathering some materials from Saxe Middle School, the Makerspace was ready for action on the first day of school. Quickly, students took notice of the new changes
Senior, Miles Turpin was one of those students. “ When I first heard the idea, I thought that it was really cool, there is something very fun about the whole idea of creativity in itself,” Miles said.
After displaying interest, Miles joined Ms.Luhtala in the process of developing the Makerspace. “We have been brainstorming ideas about the possible routes that we could take with it in terms of developing it into something that does not just sit there, but something that is an integral part of the school and getting people involved,” Miles said.
Anyone and everyone can get involved in the Makerspace. Students can bring in loose items from around their house. “We would love it if students can bring in garbage and loose materials from home,” Ms. Luhtala said. “ Anything ranging from boxes to eggs cartons to empty cans can be donated to be used in the Makerspace”.
The Makerspace in the library provides opportunities for creative outlets within the school day. “Everyone seems to be so focused for testing and teaching for tests, so this could be one way that we can bring more fun to the high school” said Miles.
As students come to the library this year, it is important that they keep an open minded, willing to try new experiences. “ I really think it will be great if people are open to the whole idea, it’s definitely change, but it will be successful if people are willing to experiment”, said Miles. Student participation in the Makerspace is going to result in an outburst of creativity throughout New Canaan High School
