Inside the Dabble Box.

Earlier this year, the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library revealed their newest addition – the “Dabble Box.” This new, DIY-makerspace allows individuals of all ages to explore technology, arts, and crafts at no cost. On Tuesday, August 15, the Dabble Box is making its outdoor debut, spilling out onto Eau Claire Street.

Community members are invited to “Play – Make – Share” at an upcoming maker fest hosted by the library. "Dabble Day: A Chippewa Valley Maker Fest" will be held on Tuesday, August 15 from 2pm to 7pm outside the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library (400 Eau Claire St, Eau Claire). They’ll even close down part of Eau Claire Street to allow space for the festival.

“Libraries today are focusing less on what they have and more on what they can help their communities accomplish,” says library director, Pamela Westby. “Some things are just better learned by doing,” Westby adds, “and by providing opportunities to explore, and instruction in the use of new technologies, public library makerspaces play an important role in developing workforce skills.”

Play with tech gadgets, create with watercolor and acrylics, and explore the world of 3D printing. Dabble Day: A Chippewa Valley Maker Fest will have Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Mobile Manufacturing Lab on display, with a variety of maker stations with demonstrations and make-and-take activities.

To add a festival feel, there will be outdoor music and two food trucks. There will be no cost for demonstrations or make-and-take activities.

For information, stop at Information & Reference on your next visit to the library, call 715-839-5004, or e-mail the library at librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us. To learn more about library programs, check the library website at www.ecpubliclibrary.info.

The event is presented in cooperation with US Bank and co-sponsored by Chippewa Valley Technical College, Children’s Museum of Eau Claire, Chippewa Valley Museum, Eau Claire Area School District, Indianhead Federated Library System, Twig, and West Wisconsin Wood Carvers Guild.