Library launches free makerspace with grand opening workshops and ‘UCSB Reads’ book giveaway

From the art of the perfect hem to the creation of 3D-printed bots, UC Santa Barbara students, faculty and staff are welcome to learn and sharpen myriad creative skills at a newly minted on-campus makerspace. 

Located on the first floor of the library, the UCSB Makerspace offers free in-depth instruction and ongoing peer support on prototyping and iterative design on an array of high-quality fabrication tools, including 3D printers, sewing and embroidery machines, laser cutters, button makers, soldering equipment and more. 

Grand opening tours and introductory events will take place Jan 16–19, with workshops on sewing, button making, 3D bot building, fabrication of starter trays for seedling cultivation and the use of basic circuitry to create electronic music. 

Advance registration is required and workshop attendees must first enroll in the Makerspace Canvas course and complete a brief introduction module. Pizza and refreshments will be served. 

The opening also aligns with the release of this year's UCSB Reads book, 'Your Brain on Art'. During the book giveaway on Thursday, Jan. 18, Makerspace will be hosting a button-making event for students to design and build custom pin buttons.

“We hope that broad access to the UCSB Makerspace allows all students of diverse backgrounds to see themselves as active creators,” said Maddie Wishart, who manages the workspace. “The Makerspace is free to use with no charge for machine time or workshops, and we will be providing 3D printing filament, sewing threads and other materials at no cost in limited quantities.” 

“The Makerspace aims to support users from all skill levels,” she added. “We want to make sure that students who have maybe never heard of a 3D printer or laser cutter can receive all the training they need to feel comfortable in the space. In addition to the online training in the Canvas course, we will be hosting regularly scheduled workshops staffed with student workers to consult on projects and provide additional one-on-one support.”

Startup equipment and supplies were made possible through a $50,000 grant from the student-led UCSB Student Fee Advisory Committee.