Kids & Family
Making Smiles at Teaneck Library
Library Draws Crowd for Celebration of STEM and Maker Culture
On Sunday, March 24, more than 900 people attended New Jersey Makers Day at Teaneck Public Library.
Teaneck was one of 300 locations across the state participating in this 5th Annual statewide celebration of making and maker culture.
“We’re thrilled with this response from the community,” said Allen McGinley, Library Director.
“It was great to see so many residents of all ages connecting, learning, and engaging through the activities and demonstrations provided by the New Jersey Makers Day event.”
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“These types of hands-on learning experiences and community collaborations are what 21st century libraries are all about,” McGinley added.
Highlights from the event included 3D printing, electronics programming, coding, robotics, and wearable tech demonstrations from local students and other community partners.
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John and Justine Diamond demonstrated the Bergen Makerspace Transportable 3D Printer. The demonstration included practical objects created with the 3D printer, including a prosthetic hand (pictured below). Another notable demonstration was from Arnie Forte of CoderDojo who introduced attendees to electronics programming with Raspberry Pi.
Hands-on activities included structure building, snap circuits, button making, kaleidoscopes, perler beads, rubber band cars, spin drums, and solar powered water bottle lights.
The event was planned and hosted by Teaneck Public Library staff and volunteers, and included significant contributions from community organizations, most notably STEAM Engine.
Other local groups participating in the event included CoderDojo, John & Justine Diamond, Teaneck Creek Conservancy, Sylvan Learning of Teaneck, Academy of Greatness and Excellence (AGE), Ma’aynot Yeshiva High School for Girls, Teaneck High School, and Torah Academy of Bergen County (TABC).
“The energy at this event was incredible,” said McGinley. “This is just the beginning. We will continue to develop dynamic and responsive events like New Jersey Makers Day that give residents the opportunity to build their futures at the library.”