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The Jessamine County Public Library (JCPL)  recently announced the expansion of its Creative Space, a library area that connects customers to innovative technology.

In December 2022, JCPL’s Board of Trustees voted to contract Jarboe Construction to expand the space. Construction begins February 15 and is expected to be completed in May 2023.

Makerspaces such as JCPL’s Creative Space are collaborative workspaces outfitted with tools and materials necessary to complete projects. Growing in popularity in the last decade, makerspaces encourage invention and learning via hands-on opportunities to create, problem-solve, and practice new skills.

“Technology plays a crucial role in education,” said Shantel Richardson, Customer Technology Librarian at JCPL. “Makerspaces help students learn at their own pace and explore their creativity.”

Located inside the main library location in Nicholasville, JCPL’s Creative Space is currently furnished with one laser cutter and two CNC machines. Following the expansion, customers can find new equipment and opportunities to create, including a long-arm sewing machine and soldering kits.

The expansion of the Creative Space is informed by JCPL’s strategic goals, which include providing a stimulating environment for lifelong learning and access to established and emerging technologies.

“The current area for these technologies is too small to adequately serve the number of customers using JCPL’s Creative Space,” said JCPL’s Executive Director, Dr. Ron Critchfield. “As a result of the expansion, more customers will have access to technology and experiential, hands-on learning activities that develop lifelong learning and job readiness skills.”