Focus on technological literacy in new Sudbury library MakersSpace

A downtown Sudbury library branch is planning to foster technological literacy with a new space that encourages people to build their own projects.

The MakerSpace, a new area of the library, already features a 3-D printer but will also include more tools for creative endeavours.

Emergening Technologies Librarian Brian Harding says the main focus will still be literacy and improving technological education which is becoming more and more important.

We're still [focusing] on print and literacy as we've always done and that's always been the focus of libraries, [but] we're moving into an area called technological literacy, Harding said.

It's kind of a big, academic word really, all it means is that people need skills. They need to know how technology works. It's such a part of our daily lives.

Harding says libraries can and should help play a role in fostering a better understanding of technology.

Thespace will eventually feature more tools, electronics and other machines for patrons to use.