Library's foundation secures donation for new Makerspace

With the assistance of board member and Arlington Heights resident Charlene Padovani, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation recently secured a generous donation from Blick Art Supplies in Evanston for the library's new Makerplace, which opened on Sept. 19.

The new Makerplace offers hands-on, experiential learning opportunities, including an art space where community members can take classes or work on independent art projects.

Padovani, who takes watercolor and other art classes in the community, knew the Makerplace would be in need of art supplies and reached out to her favorite supplier, Blick.

"In many of my art classes, the teachers recommend buying Blick supplies, so I reached out to the store in Evanston to see if they'd be willing to make a donation to the new Makerplace," Padovani said. "I've volunteered for a number of local organizations, and when it comes to in-kind donations, in particular, I've always found that it doesn't hurt to ask."

The conversation resulted in a $250 in-kind donation and a 20% discount on all purchases for the Makerplace and foundation moving forward.

"By supplying new students with the materials needed to take a class, we allow community members to get a taste of things they might not have the opportunity to try otherwise," Padovani said.

"Someone who's never taken a watercolor class may not want to invest in tools and supplies until they know it's something they'll enjoy. The Makerplace will be a great resource for community members looking to try their hand at new mediums thanks to donors like Blick."

The donation from Blick, made via the foundation, included a lightbox, wall-mounted spool holder for craft paper and other reusable art supplies the community can use during Makerplace classes or for independent projects.

"We are so grateful for our partnership with the foundation, which has been securing so many incredible donations," said Makerspace Branch Assistant Manager Chris Krueger.

"The donation from Blick, in particular, has provided us with a great base to get started. We're able to provide community members with the larger art supplies they need that they wouldn't be able to keep in their homes. Thanks to these donations, we can be really creative in the classes we offer."

The donation from Blick is the latest in a series of in-kind and cash donations provided by the foundation, which has funded 17% of the new Makerspace.

For information on the opening of the Makerplace, visit ahml.info.

For information on the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Foundation, visit www.ahmlfoundation.org.