Spotlight on: Makerspaces at Vale of Glamorgan's Libraries

We love to celebrate and showcase the brilliant creatives and creative spaces in Cardiff and the wider region.

For this ‘Spotlight on…’ feature, we visited the Makerspace in Barry Library. Find out more about the space and how to use it:

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Posted by: Creative Cardiff

Date: 23 April 2024

Image from Makerspace in Barry

The Vale of Glamorgan Libraries Makerspace project launched in 2022 within a renovated space in Penarth library and progressed in 2023 with a second site in Barry Library.

What is a Makerspace?

Makerspaces are spaces which provide low barrier access to design and fabrication equipment where communities meet to co-create, share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network, and build. Makerspaces help beginners to advanced users develop their skills and creativity. Their activity promotes development of high-end technology skills needed for prosperity and social mobility.

An image of inside the space in Barry

What will I find at the spaces?

Both Makerspace sites house a range of digital design and fabrication equipment which provide many possibilities for adults and children to learn skills and develop their creative ideas with:

  • 3D printers
  • Laser cutters
  • Cricut machines
  • Digital design tools

Their hope is to spark imagination and to set people off on a creative path for personal learning and enjoyment and might also serve as a first step to creating a business.

A poster about what you'll find in the Makerspace

Find out more and visit the space

If anyone is interested in a tour of either site then their free one-hour Meet Your Makerspace sessions are running throughout May/June.

Follow the Makerspace on social media and find upcoming events.

Email: makerspace@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

3D printed materials

Directory

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Create a directory profile to share your work and to connect and collaborate with other creatives.

Jess Networking at a Creative Cardiff event