FAQs • Woodland, CA • CivicEngage

What is a makerspace?: A makerspace is an area dedicated to education through creation where users can imagine, explore, and collaborate in hands-on learning, design, and production. The Makerspace Movement has gained momentum in recent years worldwide as a creative, collaborative space outside home, school, and work to explore and learn. This movement aligns with the library's mission to provide education and literacy to the community. "Libraries have always been on the forefront of providing public access to emerging technology that isn't readily available to most consumers," stated Greta Galindo, Woodland Public Library Director.

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Library - Square One

1. What is a makerspace?: A makerspace is an area dedicated to education through creation where users can imagine, explore, and collaborate in hands-on learning, design, and production. The Makerspace Movement has gained momentum in recent years worldwide as a creative, collaborative space outside home, school, and work to explore and learn. This movement aligns with the library's mission to provide education and literacy to the community. "Libraries have always been on the forefront of providing public access to emerging technology that isn't readily available to most consumers," stated Greta Galindo, Woodland Public Library Director.

2. Where did the name come from?: The name of the space, 745.5 Square One, refers to the Dewey Decimal classification (how the library sorts nonfiction books) for ‘handcrafts' (745.5) and to the place people return when they need to rethink an idea or try again (Square One).

Square One will provide the opportunity for patrons to learn important skills that can be used in the workforce-from drafting and design to the hands-on work of crafting circuit boards. Square One is designed to be a modular space to bring together the community to share knowledge and collaboratively problem solve. The central design hub, sponsored by Sunrise Rotary, consists of a dozen laptops and 8 work tables that can be rearranged for classes, large projects, or smaller group work. Surrounding the design hub are 5 work areas:

A prototyping area
An art and textiles area
An enclosed wood shop
An electronics bench
And a digital arts station

These areas have all been created to be flexible spaces that can expand or contract as classes, presentations, and use require.

4. How did Square One come to be?

Square One's opening marks the culmination of two years of work, planning, construction, and collaboration with numerous organizations. This project was funded through Measure E and J funds, and the generous financial support of:

California State Library and the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA)
Dan Chervinskas from American Industrial Coatings
Dowling Family
Luna Vista Rotary
Meg and Tom Stallard
Pavel and Alla Tkachuk at the Woodland Sewing and Vacuum Center
Sunrise Rotary
Thordsen Family

The Woodland Public Library thanks our generous community for their support of Square One.

5. What can I make?

The possibilities are endless!

There are 6 maker areas in Square One with the following equipment:

Design Hub - 8 movable tables, 6 laptops and mice
Digital Arts - 2 desktops with photo and video editing software, black and white photo backdrops, a green screen, still and video cameras
Electronics - 3 soldering stations, an oscilloscope, 3 multi-meters
Prototyping - laser cutter, 3D printers, desktop CNC router
Textiles - sewing machines, jewelry making
Woodshop - panel saw, ShopBot CNC router, drill press, scroll saw, sander, hand tools

6. What classes can I take?: Please view our calendar to see what classes are available to take.

7. What do I need to bring?

All city residents are invited to share in our community resource, Square One.

In order to use the space, users must bring a valid Woodland Public Library card in good standing and a photo ID.
Residents outside of Woodland are welcome to the space, provided they obtain a library card and understand priority is given to Woodland residents.
Because the space contains multiple work areas and makers working on projects, closed-toed shoes are required in Square One.
Food and drink may not be brought past the lobby area. Water bottles with lids are permitted on the Design Hub tables.

All users must have a signed waiver (PDF) (minor waiver (PDF)) on file.

8. Where can I learn more?

Visit these resources to learn more:

9. What software is available?

This software is available: