MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 35th Force Support Squadron hosted the Makerspace program grand opening in the Overstreet Memorial Library at Misawa Air Base, Japan, Nov. 13.
The new facility offers access to technologies including 3-D printing, gaming systems and STEM courses. These programs occur every Tuesday from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and every second and fourth Thursday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Although courses remain limited to specific times, all Team Misawa members may utilize the library room between the hours of 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The creators of the program wanted members to have as much access to the room as possible.
“The library intended Makerspace to allow the community to join and share their ideas and creativity,” said Asako Tuttle, the library director. “We created a space for people to work together and learn from one another.”
Tuttle explained how the library has transformed from being a place of peace and quiet to also supporting an open space for engagement and active learning.
“We use the library as a tool to bring people together,” described Tuttle.
During the grand opening, children of different ages paid a visit with their parents to see what the open space had available. Master Sgt. Daniel Singleton, the 35th FSS development flight chief, greeted families at the door and showed them the resources the new facility provides.
“Our intent for this facility is to provide extra capabilities for the Misawa Air Base community,” said Singleton. “It helps our young kids develop resiliency and mental capabilities by providing them an outlet to learn and relax outside of school.”
For more information, contact the Overstreet Memorial Library at DSN 226-4083.