Library’s Fab Test Lab Opens April 17

Interim Space to Restore and Test New Maker Technology for

Modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library

Washington, D.C - On Wednesday, April 17, the DC Public Library's Fab Test Lab will open at the Reeves Center at 2000 14th St. NW.

The Fab Lab, or Fabrication Lab, is DC Public Library's collaborative workspace for making, learning, and exploring emerging and computer-assisted technologies along with maker tools. The space opening at the Reeves Center restores familiar Do-It-Yourself Fab Lab services, classes and workshops that were available in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.  Machines featured in the space will include:

Laser cutters
3-D printers
Sewing machines
Hand tools and power tools
One iMac computer with Creative Suite software
Laptops

The Fab Test Lab will allow the Library to test out new programming leading up to reopening of the Modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Preliminary ideas include offering more family- and kid-friendly programs; adding and expanding textile and jewelry creation and repair classes; and basic coding classes using Arduino, an open-source electronics platform based on easy-to-use hardware and software.

Customer feedback of the programs and services will help inform programs and services offered at the modernized Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. As part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library’s $211 Million modernization, the building’s lower level will be transformed into creative and fabrication lab space.

The Fab Test Lab’s hours will be:

Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday-Wednesday 12:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Thursday-Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Fab Lab and machine orientations are required to use the space. Sign-ups will be available at http://dclibrary.org/labs/fabtestlab.

The Reeves Center location will also house the Library’s Passport Acceptance Center, which will open this Summer.

The District of Columbia Public Library is a dynamic source of information, programs, books and other library materials and services that improve the quality of life for District residents of all ages that, when combined with expert staff, helps build a thriving city. The Library provides environments that invite reading, community conversation, creative inspiration and exploration, lectures, films, computer access and use, workforce and economic development, storytimes for children, and much more. DC Public Library includes a soon-to-be-modernized central library and 25 neighborhood libraries and also provides services in nontraditional settings outside of the library buildings. DC Public Library enriches and nourishes the lives and minds of all District residents, provides them with the services and tools needed to transform lives, and builds and supports community throughout the District of Columbia.