From 3D printers, scanners, laser cutters to sewing machines and 3D modeling software, the space supports innovation and collaboration.
NORFOLK, VA – If you can imagine it, you can create it! Slover Library’s new Maker Studio inside the Selden Market puts hi-tech in your hands. From 3D printers, scanners, laser cutters to sewing machines and 3D modeling software, the space supports innovation and collaboration.
“Imagination births innovation, and with the opening of Slover Library’s Maker Studio new ideas will continue to flourish and shape Norfolk, but more importantly, this new space will provide access to tools for kids, teens, adults and entrepreneurs to realize not only their potential, but their dreams,” said Mayor Kenneth Alexander.
The Maker Studio is part of a creative suite of services the Norfolk Public Library offers. The Maker Studio joins the Design Studio and Production Studio. In the near future, Slover Library will add a Sound Studio for recording, mixing and editing of original music, voice-overs and sound effects.
“We hope to inspire creativity and technological innovation through the Maker Studio. For students and professionals in the arts, design, science and technology fields, the studio provides an opportunity for users to enhance their craft,” said Sonal Rastogi, Director of Libraries, Norfolk Public Library.
“The Maker Studio continues the Batten family’s and the community’s shared vision to construct a public library that brings leading-edge technologies to people throughout the region. The Maker Studio is another step forward toward providing advanced technology to meet the needs of library patrons today and for many years to come,” said Paul Fraim, President and Chairman, Slover Library Foundation
The Maker Studio is funded by the gracious support of the Slover Library Foundation and the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.
“The Hampton Roads Community Foundation has supported the Slover Library with grants every year since 2011 when planning for this signature library started,” said Dr. Deborah M. DiCroce, the community foundation’s president and CEO. “Through the Virginian-Pilot Fund, which we administer, we are pleased to help fund the Maker Studio as part of our community foundation’s vision of having a thriving community with opportunity for all.”
Maker Studio users must complete a safety and technical review of the equipment prior to use. The studio supplies a limited selection of materials at variable costs, and patrons may bring materials and equipment to use in the studio with staff approval. For more information about studio equipment, software, and services, or to schedule a consultation with a studio staff member, email
sloverstudios@norfolk.gov.