JACKSON – The Jackson Library is inviting members of the community to participate in a statewide Makers Day celebration which is designed to promote STEM-based learning. Activities are scheduled at the library, 2 Jackson Drive, on March 24-25.
New Jersey Makers Day celebrates making, tinkering, crafting and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) learning.
Librarian Sabrina Guimaraes said Makers Day is a great way to introduce people to the Maker culture.
“New Jersey Makers Day is designed to be a statewide event that celebrates, promotes and in many cases may introduce Maker culture, as well as the values associated with making, tinkering and STEM-based learning. In 2016, New Jersey Makers Day drew more than 40,000 individual attendees to more than 230 participating sites across all 21 counties,” Guimaraes said.
She said the Makers Day event provides attendees with access to useful information and resources which could have a positive impact on on their education and job skills.
“Makerspaces across the state are having a significant impact on education and job skills development by providing access to people, information, resources and tools that facilitate making to a wide variety of skill levels,” Guimaraes said. “New Jersey Makers Day allows communities to share hands-on programming opportunities, demonstrations and displays, and the expertise of the individuals and organizations that make, create and develop right in their own backyards.”
Everyone in the community is invited to see the library’s new Makerspace room. Programs are offered during the year for children, teenagers and adults.
The following Makers Day programs will take place on March 24: Make it! Cheerios Bird Feeder (ages 3-6), 9:30-10:30 a.m.; Make it! Aromatherapy heating pads (adults 18 and over), 11 a.m. to noon; Make it! Salty Sand Art (ages 4-12, drop-in), 11 a.m. to noon; Make it! Flower Décor (adults 18 and over), 2-4 p.m.; and Make It! Ice Cream (ages 7-17), 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Programs on March 25 include Kid Community Coloring (ages 2-12, drop-in), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Let’s Build the Largest Building Fun (ages 5-12, drop-in), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Make It! LED Fun-DIY squishy circuits, mini light sabers and LED throwies (ages 12–16, drop-in), 1-3 p.m.
Some programs require registration. For more information, call the library at 732-928-4400 or visit www.theoceancountylibrary.org
