Westfield Memorial Library to Celebrate Makers Day March 16

By Roz Giuditta,
Marketing and
Outreach Manager

NJ Makers Day is a statewide event that celebrates and promotes making things, along with Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics-based (STEM) learning. On Saturday, March 16, the Westfield Memorial Library will celebrate Makers Day with interactive workshops, drop-in demonstrations and open exploration. This all-ages event will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Makers Day will be more exciting than ever as the library was awarded a grant from the New Jersey Stem Pathways Network. One of the Network’s goals is to define and guide a statewide STEM vision for formal and informal learning opportunities that strengthen academic skills and inspire students. With the grant, the Children’s Department purchased Magna-tiles, three dimensional magnetized structures with various geometric shapes that snap together and encourage hours of open-ended play.

The Magna-tiles will be part of the Creative Building Zone where children can build structures using their choice of Magna-tiles, Legos, or “Straws and Connectors” building kits.

Several other organizations and individuals will participate in Makers Day as well. These events are open to anyone and require no pre-registration.

The New Jersey Workshop for the Arts will have an “Instrument Petting Zoo” that allows kids and teenagers to try playing different instruments. The Westfield High School Robotics Club will bring a robot, and participants will have a chance to get their hands on the controller to drive it.

Krishav Singla, a senior at Union County Magnet High School, will show a Google Slides presentation on the Access Wayfinder app that he and two friends created to chart the accessibility of local businesses.

Library staff will also lead numerous workshops requiring advance registration at wmlnj.org. They include crocheting for two different age groups; a mini-garden-in-a-tin; kite making; Zentangle drawing; Scribble bots: a toy bot that scribbles on a sheet of paper; Suminagashi-or floating ink: a Japanese process of marbling plain paper with water and ink to transform it into colorful designs; and a special craft just for adults.

Keep your eye on the library’s website www.wmlnj.org for more information. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street, 908.789.4090.