Wed Dec 1 2021 12:55 pm

The Niagara Falls Library announces the official opening of a maker space at 1425 Main Street. The opening event will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 17. Mayor Robert Restaino and MP Angelo Morinello will be present.

The Niagara Falls Public Library‘s Maker Space will join the maker movement to promote access to computers, 3D printers, a coding robot, instant circuits, a mobile device charging station and more. ‘other high-tech creative tools, as well as craft supplies. It is funded by the American Library Association COVID Tech Relief Grant ($ 45,000) and the Grace Foundation ($ 4,500).

The Mayor’s Office said, “This will be a space for the citizens of Niagara Falls to learn new computer skills, participate in the manufacturers movement and be creative using both high technology and the soft arts to create. The ultimate goal is to provide connectivity access to Wi-Fi technology that our citizens might not otherwise have. “

From this location, 200 Chromebooks and 205 Wi-Fi hotspots will be available for citizens to borrow, allowing them to access the internet. Funding in the amount of $ 133,260 comes from the first phase of the Federal Communications Commission Emergency Connectivity Fund.

The Niagara Falls Public Library recently received a grant of $ 27,505 through the National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health, which will fund several new computers and printers and two “silent / private” modules, allowing patrons a quiet and private environment. a space to search healthcare databases or make Zoom video conference calls with healthcare professionals.