Are you ready to explore and develop your creativity? Then IdeaSpace Making + Media is the perfect spot. It’s the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s dedicated space for making and media, and it just opened December 17, 2020.
Location: 1616 Princess Anne Street, Suite B, Fredericksburg, VA 22401
Hours: Tuesdays-Thursdays: 4:00-8:00, Saturdays: 12:00-5:00
Most of the CRRL’s branches have MakerLabs or access to mobile MakerLabs. The MakerLabs are STEM exploration spaces for customers of all ages to enjoy hands-on learning with a variety of high and low-tech equipment and activities, including a 3D printer, drawing tablet, paper rocket launcher, robot arms, Ozobots, and much more. Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, these labs are not up and running nor taking appointments.
But…the IdeaSpace Making + Media is accepting appointments.
My son has been interested in design and 3D printing for quite sometime. He was excited in 2018 when the Salem Church branch began to host it’s own MakerLab sessions. As of late he’s been begging me to make him an appointment at the IdeaSpace. Well, I finally did, and his appointment for 3D Badging was for today. Scheduling is very easy. Just go HERE to pick a date and time. You will receive a confirmation email with all the details. For the 3D Badging, he had to watch three short videos before coming to his appointment. Easy!
He can’t wait to go back to IdeaSpace . Now that he has his 3D Printer Badge, he can reserve the 3D printer to build his own projects.
Equipment & Software Available:
- Glowforge Laser Cutter (Grade 9-Adult)
- Ultimaker s5 3D Printer (Grade 6-Adult)
- Dremel 3D45 Printer (Grade 6-Adult)
- Drawing Tablet Stations (Grade 6-Adult)
- Video and Recording Studio (Grade 9-Adult)
- Video Converter (VHS to Digital) (Grade 6-Adult)
- Sewing Machines (Grade 9-Adult)
You can make an appointment for one of the following:
- Visit/tour IdeaSpace (15-30 minutes)
- Badging appointment (2 hours)
- Equipment Reservation (up to 2 hours)
Appointments are limited to one per day. And, due to occupancy restrictions, max capacity is limited to 4 customers at a time.
My son and one more customer were the only ones scheduled today. When we picked him up, the other customer was gone, so we were able to go inside. While we waited, we were able to have a personalized tour of the building.
Idea Space has a 10′ x 12′ Audio Visual Recording Studio. We were all able to step inside the soundproof box to take a closer look. Customers must first earn the Audio Visual Badge to be able to use this.
We learned that customers can take IdeaSpace equipment home with Tech on the Go. They have so much to offer: 360 Camera Kit, 4K Camcorder Kit, Camera Stabilizer Kit, Denon DJ Turntable Kit, Go Pro Camera Kit, LED Studio Light Kit, Neewer LED Ring Light Kit, Novation Launchpad Kit, Rode Smartphone Mic Kit, Wacom Drawing Tablet, and Zoom Audio Recorder Kit.
All reservations are for 7 days. Borrowers must be 18 or older and have a CRRL library card.
To learn more about the history of CRRL’s MakerLabs, click HERE.
To learn more about the 3D Printer Badge, click HERE. Earning the 3D Printer badge allows you to reserve the 3D printer to build your own projects in the MakerLab or IdeaSpace. You can also earn a 3D Scanner Badge, a Sewing Machine Badge, and a Drawing Tablet Badge. The IdeaSpace also offers the Audio Visual Badge and Laser Cutting Badge.
To learn more about IdeaSpace Making & Media, click HERE. IdeaSpace is a part of the Canal Quarter Creative Maker District in downtown Fredericksburg.
IdeaSpace is located near where the Canal Path and Rappahannock River Heritage Trail meet. While #4 was busy 3D printing, we walked these trails.
We ended the IdeaSpace visit with custard at Carl’s. Carl’s is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been serving the Fredericksburg area since 1947. Carl’s is CASH ONLY. Maxon Dixon Cafe is nearby as well.
Family Adventures VA 