Libraries, universities, and organizations across Essex County will take part in New Jersey Makers Day on Saturday, March 21. The goal of the day is to "enhance community engagement and develop connections among New Jersey residents by collaborating with multi-type libraries, museums, small businesses and others to promote and explore new opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and hands-on learning experiences".
In Caldwell, Caldwell University's Jennings Library will celebrate Makers Day from 10:00am to 4:00pm by allowing visitors to learn about and experience 3D printing and 3D printing, in addition to other activities such as paper airplace construction. Plus, attendees can participate in the Buildtak 3D Design Challenge. Senator Cory Booker and Cory Doctorow will make streaming keynote addresses. Just west on Bloomfield Avenue, the Caldwell Public Library will host festivities from 9:00am until 12:00pm. There be a Lego Challenge, Snap Circuts, Little Bits, Cardboard Make It, and Magnetic Poetry. Those who visit the celebrations at both the Caldwell and West Caldwell Libraries will receive a prize.
In East Orange, the main branch of the East Orange Public Library will hold events for patrons of all ages. Activities will include Lego building, MaKey MaKey, Light Up Origami, hand knitting demonstrations, crocheting, and jewelry making.
In Glen Ridge, the Glen Ridge Public Library will hold a Maker Faire from 1:00pm to 4:00pm to “celebrate arts, crafts, engineering, science projects and the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) mindset". Interested participants can submit a 'make', which can range from robotics to needlework to computer programming. Click here to apply. The event is presented the library's Teen Advisory Board. All are welcome to attend.
In Maplewood, Maplewood Memorial Library patrons can participate in a variety of activities, including Lego building, a Circuitry Test Kitchen, weaving on CD looms, and modeling and printing a customized Duplo brick using 3D CAD software and a 3D printer. Activities will take place at the Hilton Branch Library on Springfield Avenue near Maplecrest Park.
In Montclair, a variety of activities will take place at two locations. The Montclair Public Library will host 3D Printing activities, in addition to a variety of other activities and demonstrations. The events are open to all, however, first priority will be given to MPL cardholders. Click here if you are interested in volunteering. In addition, the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey East Service Center at 120 Valley Road will welcome Girl Scouts who are interested in hearing from women who work in STEM fields. Then, Girl Scouts will explore computer coding, and will work on electronic projects.
In Newark, the New Jersey Institute of Technology will host the kickoff event for New Jersey Makers Day. Several dignitaries will present speeches, and activities will follow.
In South Orange, the South Orange Public Library on Scotland Road will celebrate Makers Day throughout the month of March. On Makers Day itself, there will be Read Across America read-alouds, pop-up book art, and a Balance-a-Toy Challenge. Plus, there will be activities in the South Orange Village Center, including a sushi demonstration at 3:00pm at Ariyoshi Japanese Restaurant (56 South Orange Avenue), juicing demonstrations from 2:00pm to 3:00pm at the Dancing Blender (121 South Orange Avenue), demonstrations at Sparkhouse Toys (9 Village Plaza) from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, and gadgets to discover at Kitchen a La Mode (19 South Orange Avenue). Other activities in March will include watercolor painting, 3D Printing demonstrations, a foreign film series, and making a marshmallow tower. See a complete list here. For every five programs you attend and mark off on the Bingo sheet, you will receive a prize.
In West Caldwell, the West Caldwell Public Library will have DIY button making activities, plus make your own monster activities, MaKey MaKey, techie projects, and jewelry making. There will also be an acrobatic workshop and a paper plane workshop for those who register in advance. Pre-registration can be made by calling (973) 226-5441. Those who visit the library in Caldwell as well will be entered for a chance to win a prize
In West Orange, the Thomas Edison National Historical Park will celebrate Makers Day by hosting activities such as making stop motion movies with iPads, and making polymers with glue. Other activities will include building structures with straws, paper clips, and pipe cleaners to balance items on top of, and building a BristleBot. All activities are offered on a first come first served basis. Around the corner at the West Orange Public Library, free cupcakes will be offered courtesy of Pink Cupcakes, and there will be MaKey MaKey and a marshmallow challenge, in addition to a coding demonstration.
Over 130 organizations across New Jersey will participate.
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