‘People learn by doing with their hands': A look inside Rockford Public Library's Maker Lab
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) – Most people are aware that Rockford has a new main library downtown. And within the high-tech facility is the perhaps even higher-tech Maker Lab, where learning and doing come together.
'Everything from sewing machines, to embroidery machines to Cricut cutters to 3-D printers,' said RPL Marketing Director Bridget Finn.
Finn says books are still at the library's core. But the new downtown library is quickly becoming known for its hands-on learning center that is utilized by hundreds of people each month.
'We have T-shirt presses,' Finn said. 'We have people who come in here and engrave things. We have people who pre-print things in 3-D form. We have people who are learning to sew and are selling those items.'
One of the most advanced features at library's Maker Lab is the green screen room. It's available to anyone in community for photography, online content or TV spots.
'In the green screen room you have lighting, professional lighting that you can use,' said Maker Lab Manager Leon Smith. 'We also have some direct lighting that you can use. We have a Canon EOS R50 [camera], which takes excellent stills and also video.'
And then there's the audio recording studio, where several local podcasts are created every week. It, too, was built with pro-level gear.
'It's about the opportunity to get out,' Smith said. 'It's almost kind of like journaling. You can go from journaling to podcasting. The shows are all across the spectrum.'
The new 66,000 square-foot library opened in June 2024. Its state-of the art amenities and grand view of downtown are appreciated by locals and tourists alike.
'The fact that there's terrace outside, these wonderful windows that look out over the river, the quiet study rooms and the local history,' said Susan Thornton, a visitor from Binghamton, New York. 'And this maker's room looks fabulous.'
Finn added that several local T-shirt sellers and other entrepreneurs got their start using the RPL Maker Lab.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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Yahoo
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