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How might we restore vibrancy in cities and regions facing economic decline? Read the challenge brief

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cnc, fab, hacking, library, makers

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Mission #1 Explore Vibrancy Find out more...

Fayetteville Free Library's FabLab

Reinventing the library for the 21st century, this upstate public library will provide a public fabrication lab.
This public library in upstate New York will be the first to provide public access to machines and software for making things, like 3d printers and lasercutters. I think its not actually finished yet but apparently the project is in the process of securing funding. The library's goal is to promote and community innovation.

In the past only fancy institutions such as universities and corporations had such facilities with prototyping equipment (not often called a fablab, hackerspace, or makerspace). Locating such a facility in a public library puts the technology of manufacturing in the hands of the public. Addressing the "digital divide"  is going to take more than just turning libraries into giant internet terminals.

In an age of ebooks, what an exciting proposition about what a vibrant public library can be!
Mission #1 Explore Vibrancy Find out more...

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Darby Foreman

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December 07, 2011, 08:08PM
I agree -- its so important to give people the tools unlock their own potential to create their own solutions!

I also liked this particular case because I can totally imagine it being a place where kids can get excited about technology, which is sorely needed.
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Jenny Jin

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December 02, 2011, 01:31AM
Wow, I love this so much, thanks for posting this Darby! I also shared a post about FabLab in Kenya and why I think it's a great tool because of its accessibility.

But this! What a fabulous concept to combine the sources of imagination and inspiration with the tools to realize them!

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