A new digital revolution is about to take Ammanford by storm.
The Makerspace project - known as Stordy Creadigol - is a state of the art creative store and is the first of its kind in Welsh libraries.
Types of technology on offer at Ammanford Library include 3D printers and 3D modelling; DVD, VHS, camera conversion hardware and software; audio recording and editing booths, midi keyboard, mixers, DJ equipment, microphones; video/Image recording and editing booths; PCs with recording and editing software and a green screen and much more.
The Stordy Creadigol will allow library users to experience technologies or activities that they may have not used and gives members access to tools, technology, and social connections that may not be easily accessible otherwise.
The project will be launched on Monday, March 19 with Culture, Sport and Tourism Minister, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas opening the event.
Celebrations will continue with a host of activities planned over two weeks.
Users of all ages can work together, alone, or with library staff on creative projects. It is hoped the new technology will encourage non-traditional library users to make best use of all library resources, fuelling a new wave of creativity, problem solving and entrepreneurialism.
The council’s executive board member for leisure, Cllr Peter Hughes-Griffiths said: “The needs of the population of Carmarthenshire are in a continual state of change.
"Our tasks through libraries is to create a space for knowledge, reflection, and participation in an ever-changing world.
"This development also adds to the community enthusiasm shown towards Ammanford as the Cultural Town of Carmarthenshire for 2018.”
The developments at Ammanford library is part of a bigger project where the goal is to roll-out services across the county’s network of libraries through the development of partnerships and organisational stakeholders.
The council’s libraries manager, Mark Jewell said: “We are so excited to launch this project especially being the first of its kind in Wales. Makerspace will inspire creativity, innovation and product design where people of all ages and abilities can gather to co-create, share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network, and build.
"Libraries are more than just books as this project demonstrates. Libraries are a place for individuals and communities to grow.”
The library service wants to increase its wide range of activities by introducing Makerspace type services which will inspire creativity and innovation, a first of its kind in Wales.
It is intended to encourage new people to the library, combining new and traditional core library services. Libraries are not only important for the individual, but also for society as a whole.
Monday, March 19
Demonstrations and tour of Makerspace technologies
Visit from pupils from Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman
Makerspace demonstration for Brownies
Tuesday, March 20
Demonstration and talk on coding by local author Matthew Knott to schoolchildren from Ysgol Betws
Wednesday, March 21
Demonstration of Photoshop, Green Screen to the Unloved Heritage Group
Thursday, March 22
Demonstration on audio/music recording, online services and tour to Spice members.
Friday, March 23
Demonstration on sewing, crafts and a tour of the new technologies. Delivered by Repair Café and Communities First
Monday, March 26
Demonstrations and tour of Makerspace technologies to include 3D printer, Makey Makey and Green Screen to Coleg Sir Gar students
Tuesday, March 27
Demonstrations and tour of Makerspace technologies to the public and group from Good Shed
Wednesday, March 28
Better with books, health and wellbeing services online and books in conjunction with Autism Awareness week, with author Denise Silva in residence
Thursday, March 29
Demonstrations and tour of Makerspace technologies and creative media sessions to the public 11am-12pm.
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