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Maker Station At Norfolk’s Pretlow Library Now Open

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Randi Marston Peterson Maker Studio at Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library

The new maker studio

Public Library Maker Spaces are creative community spaces in libraries where people can gather to tinker, create, and explore new technologies.
 
They can  play an important role in promoting lifelong learning and enabling access to technology and skills that may otherwise be out of reach for many people in the community. They also foster collaboration and community building, bringing people together to share ideas, skills, and resources.
 
The new Randi Marston Peterson Maker Studio is a state-of-the-art space equipped with a wide range of resources and tools to enable visitors to explore their passions and interests, from recording and photography to crafting, coding, and robotics.
 

What’s available in the studio

The maker studio at offers a diverse array of equipment and resources across several categories, including recording, photo/video, gaming, crafting/textiles, and coding/robotics.
 
The recording section features top-of-the-line audio gear, including WhisperRoom Soundproof Booth Studios, Shure SM7B and SM58 microphones, Apple Logic Pro, and Scarlett 2i2 Digital Audio Interface.
high-quality microphones
 
In the photo/video category, visitors can access cameras such as the Canon EOS Rebel DSLR, a 13-foot wide green screen, and editing software such as Adobe Premiere and Apple Final Cut Pro.
 
The gaming section has popular systems like the Sony PS5, Microsoft Xbox One X, and Nintendo Switch, as well as classic gaming systems like the Nintendo Entertainment System Mini and Sega Genesis Classic Mini.
maker studio game controllers 
 
The crafting/textiles category is equipped with resources like the Cricut Explore Air 2, a Brother CS6000i Sewing and Quilting Machine, and assorted art supplies.
 
Finally, the coding/robotics section offers resources such as a FlashForge Adventurer 4 3D Printer, Lego Mindstorms, and Swift Playgrounds, to name a few.
 
The studio is located on the first floor of the library, located at 111 W Ocean View Avenue. It’s named after a popular patron who passed away in 2020. It is the second such maker space in Norfolk, after the one in the Slover Library.
 

How to use the studio

To make use of the maker studio, simply show up with your current, valid Norfolk Public Library card. Reservations are not required, though they are recommended for the following:
 
3D printer
Cricut Explore 2
Photo Studio
Recording Studio
Sewing Stations
Users are required to have a current library card and be at least thirteen years old, or be with an adult with a current library card.
If you’d like to reserve a space, simply click here:
Reserve Equipment

And if you don’t yet have a Norfolk Public Library card, all it takes is a photo ID and proof of Virginia residence.

How To Get A Library Card

Pretlow Library Maker Studio FAQ

Q: Is it free to use the maker space? 

A: Yes, the use of the maker space is free with a current library card.

Q: Do I need a library card to use the maker space? 

A: Yes, a current library card is required to access the maker space and its resources.

Q: Where is the library located? 

A: The library is located at 111 W Ocean View Avenue, Norfolk, Virginia.

Q: Can I play games in the maker space? 

A: Yes, the maker space has several popular gaming platforms available for use.

Q: Do I need to make a reservation to use the maker space? 

A: No, you do not need to make a reservation to use the maker space. However, it is recommended to make a reservation for some equipment or spaces to ensure availability.

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