Howland Library / Library of things / Computer Science library
Libraries have historical been, and continue to be, community anchors, providing critical access to information and resources
Our library has expressed relevant interest via their 3D printer and Library of Things offerings
I, and others in the community, could donate our computer science and other tech books to the library, maybe having its own section
They have existing, effective community outreach
That space next to Beacon Reads would be super sweet, in a central Main St. storefront with close proximity to the library, Happy Valley and with a nice parking lot in the rear.
Mentorship / Apprenticeship
Facilitate mentorship oportunities for local professionals
Provide software and web development apprenticeships that focus on supporting and building local digital resources
Lego + robotics, battlebots, lego car racing ramp
Legos are ubiquitous, well-loved, and often cited as a meaningful childhood influence by thinkers, inventors, and engineers
Lego robotics are expensive and relatively inflexible
Cheap, commodity components can be physically intergrated with Legos via simple lasercut mounting plates and small, low-power IOT boards programmed in Python
Fun, engaging, and creative activities:
Lego battle bot build workshops and hosted comptetitions
Reproduce the car racing ramp at Lego Land and host after-school racing hours
Open-source Household Appliances
Design and fabricate:
Washing Machine
Clothes Dryer
Dish Washer
Precious Plastic + community collaboration
Precious Plastic has designed a complete system for turning plastic waste into useful products
Open source tools could be employed in the design and fabrication of the molds
This collaborative effort could foster a greater sense of community cohesion
Recruit others to help grow the offerings to make it the NFT guide to Beacon
Workshops
Take-apart-a-thons: let kids take apart donated appliances and other devices, giving them the opportunity to ask questions about what they see, maybe even put them back together or try to salvage some parts?
Laser-cut lamp making. Pendants?
Regular Podcasts or Videos
Maybe discuss the hacker news of the day?
Introduce beautiful and elegant concepts
Updates on the space and project progress
Interviews with local developers and creatives
Allow kids to record segments on whatever they want on their way to school
Repair cafe
Host Repair Cafe sessions and revive / support the previous incarnation (contact Antony Tseng):
in the Community Room of the Forrestal Heights Apartments, as part of their Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency program