Making a community

Did you know there is a place on campus where any students can use a 3D printer, learn to sew, lasercut vinyl decals, paint a figurine or borrow a wide variety of tools?

The Makerspace in the UW Tacoma Library is open to students, faculty and staff in every school, regardless of major. It offers free access to equipment and materials and an opportunity to learn something new or practice your skills.

In addition to signing up to use the equipment, the Makerspace also organizes regular events where people can work together and learn from each other. The goal is to create accessible paths for everyone to use the space. Students can work on projects as part of their school work or just to make something personal. There is no cost to use the tools, but students may need to provide some of their own materials.

D'Andre Williams, who helps manage the Makerspace, loves the community that develops there. "One of the coolest things about the Makerspace is the relationships I've seen come out of this space between students who work cooperatively together just through having similar hobbies and interests."