KAPAA — Everette Raymond, 11, has already registered for the Dec. 19 Family Make event presented by the Hawaii State Public Library System at the Kapaa Public Library.
The Family Make: Pop-up/Light-up Holiday Card class is a beginner electronics project in which participants create a holiday card which lights up using paper, electronic parts and metallic tape.
“Mike Armstrong, one of the Makerspace founders, had this inspiration,” said Lozar Carl Lozar of Kapaa Makerspace.
“He originally wanted to create a simple flashlight using business cards. Since it is the holidays, we modified the design to come up with the seasonal pop-up/ light-up card that children can either keep at home or give away.”
The event is scheduled for Dec. 19 at the Kapaa Public Library. Attendance is free, but registration is required due to the limited number of supplies available.
The event is recommended for children ages 6 and older. Each child under 8 must by accompanied by a responsible adult.
The project will be run for three sessions, the first being from 1 to 2 p.m., the second going from 4 to 5 p.m., and the final session taking place from 6 to 7 p.m.
“Students go to school and learn theories,” Lozar said. “It’s important to have them make things to learn how the theories work.
Everette was with his mother at the Magic Wand event celebrating Halloween, and made one which still works. He comes to the Makerspace program and is now working on building a working crossbow.”
“I’m already registered for the third session,” added Raymond, who also takes advantage of the library’s Lego Wall.
Sarah Tina, Raymond’s mother, is grateful for Kapaa Makerspace.
“We’ve been coming here for a while,” she said, showing off her wardrobe. “I’ve been sewing shirts, aprons and more using Makerspace. I don’t use patterns. I love that Makerspace is part of the community.”
Lozar said Kapaa Makerspace works with the Kapaa Public Library to create a regular schedule of events for library patrons.
“Kapaa Makerspace also participates in the monthly First Saturday events with the Kapaa Business Association,” Lozar said. “When we started, we were put in a street which normally had no traffic. Now, because of people’s interest and participation, it’s buzzing, and they are thinking of re-locating us to another area where there is less traffic. That was our original intent — to increase traffic.”
To request a sign language interpreter, or if special accommodations are needed, contact the Kapaa Public Library at 821-4422.
