Creators, innovators, techies, artisans all come together in one place on one day when Wilton Library holds its first Innovation Day on Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrating the STEAM movement (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math), the event will feature more than 25 presentations, workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions throughout the library with the sole purpose of sharing ingenuity, “outside the box” thinking, and do-it-yourself motivation and inspiration. With the library’s award-winning maker space, Innovation Station, as the driving force behind the day, library technology coordinators are gearing up for an engaging, fun and busy day for all ages. The event is sponsored by Bankwell in Wilton and MakerBot™, a 3D printer manufacturer.
According to Susan Lauricella, Head of Teen Services and maker space coordinator, “We have been excited about this day since the inception of our Innovation Station last year. We’ve held classes introducing people to 3D printing, die cutting, soldering, electronic sewing, and so much more. Now it is time for the innovators to show us what they can do.” The library has invited makers from around the region to demonstrate and exhibit their interests, including the Fairfield County Makers Guild, jet engine turbines designed by a student, new open source robotics, a post-disaster balloon for visually documenting affected areas, and the Greater Norwalk Amateur Radio Club. Lauricella continued, “And for the kid in all of us, we have a balloon animal workshop, a tech sandbox, soldering stations, 3D Doodler, die cutting and so much more. Speaking of kids, the library’s teen Robotics Team will be demonstrating their robot and our Young Makers Club members will be sharing what they’ve created.” Printmaking, cupcake decorating, quilling, kokedama, portrait painting, quilting and embroidery also will be demonstrated.
Innovation Day is free of charge. The Pizza Truck will be outside selling whole pies and slices and Phil & Tom Ice will be there from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center. For directions and information, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-3950, ext. 243.
Caption: (l-r) Rishabh Raniwala and Trevor Watson from Wilton Library’s Young Makers Club work closely on programming a circuit for their Innovation Day project. The club will be one of more than 25 demonstrations, presentations and exhibits taking place at the library on Saturday, May 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Innovation Day is sponsored by Bankwell in Wilton and MakerBot 3D printers. Open to all ages. No registration or admission fee. Wilton Library, 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT, www.wiltonlibrary.org , 203-762-3950, ext. 243.