Since June 2013, more than one hundred youth across Philadelphia have participated in free Maker programming at library locations. For many of these youth, this was the first time they were introduced to electronics, programming, and science from a creative, low-barrier entry point. The Maker Celebration at the Free Library is a public opportunity for youth to show off the ways they have learned to play with cutting-edge technology to their friends, families, and the city in general. The maker program at the Free Library of Philadelphia gives youth the confidence to de-black-box the technology that surrounds them, sparking the creative interest that leads to true innovation.

Please join us this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for our Maker Celebration in the lobby of our Parkway Central Library!

In the Lobby you’ll find the main celebration. In addition to more than 50 other participants, Makers from the Free Library Hot Spot at the Village of Arts and Humanities are bringing a series of competitive play-doh mazes outfitted with buzzers, magnets, and LEDs. Makers from the McPherson Square Library are bringing a Caine's Arcade-style series of pinball, foosball, and plinko games - all made out of cardboard, masking tape, and rubber bands!

In Room 108 you'll find our Connected Messages project, an interactive community digital and physical mural created entirely by youth at six Free Library locations. The murals teach youth about electronics and circuits, and encourage youth to express positive aspects about themselves and their communities. Connected Messages is the recipient of a 2013 Summer Project:Connect grant from the Digital Media and Learning Hub, and has been accepted to the 2013 New York Maker Faire!

Come join Free Library Maker Youth, the Clay Studio, Little Baby's Ice Cream, Pizza Brain, Spiral Q Puppet Theater, Girls Rock Philly, the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, PennDesign, and more to see what we make in the city of brotherly love and sisterly affection!

Read more about our Maker Programming on makerjawn.org.

Questions? Want to know about maker program this fall at the Free Library of Philadelphia? Email info@makerjawn.org for more information.