Note: We first posted and commented about the upcoming Barnes & Noble “mini maker-faires” when the event was first announced in September.
We realize that Barnes & Noble is in the business of selling products but that shouldn’t mean that libraries aren’t (or can’t) be involved in this event. Was B&N asked about library participation nationally? Did they say no? Are libraries reaching out to local B&N stores? If not, why not? This is precisely the type of event that public libraries should be a part of.
We will update this post if/when we learn more.
Today’s News
Here’s new details about the mini maker-faires. As you’ll read below and in the complete news release, no mention of libraries and the makerspaces many offer all day, every day.
Barnes & Noble, Inc. today revealed its impressive lineup of events, products and special guests to be featured at its stores nationwide during the first-ever retail Mini Maker Faire, from Friday, November 6, through Sunday, November 8.
Throughout the weekend, customers will have the opportunity to participate in interactive product demonstrations to learn about programming, coding and 3D printing, and to take part in collaborative hands-on experiences designed to stretch their imaginations and creative thinking as they work cooperatively to make something original. They will also be able to “Meet the Makers,” as leaders in the Maker Movement and local Makers will visit Barnes & Noble stores nationwide, including Dale Dougherty, the Founder and Executive Chairman of Maker Media/Maker Faire, Simon Shen, CEO of XYZprinting, Ayah Bdeir, Founder and CEO of littleBits, Nader Hamda, Founder and CEO of Ozobot, Parker Thomas, Inventor of Maker Studio, Bill Ritchie, Founder of ThinkFun, plus so many others at stores nationwide.
All product demonstrations and collaborative hands-on-learning experiences will be repeated throughout the weekend so customers can fully experience the three unique areas in stores— Make Workspace, Make & Collaborate and Meet the Makers— which combined deliver an authentic and robust Mini Maker Faire. Customers should contact their local store to find out event times and visit BN.com/MakerFaire for more information on the Mini Maker Faire.
“Barnes & Noble is always focused on providing the best possible experience for our customers, and we think the Mini Maker Faire lineup takes this promise to the next level. The never-before-done schedule of events, interactive activities and speakers we’re announcing today sets a new standard for experiential retailing,” said Kathleen Campisano, Vice President, Toys & Games at Barnes & Noble. “We’ve put together a fully integrated schedule that allows customers to experience every aspect of the Mini Maker Faire, whether they want to pack everything into one amazing day, or come back each day over the weekend to make, collaborate and learn about something new.”
At all Barnes & Noble stores nationwide during the Mini Maker Faire, there will be a “Make” Workspace, or a tech-educational expo space, where booksellers and Makers will demo some of the leading products in technology today that teach users of all ages the valuable skills of coding and 3D printing.
[Clip]
Additionally, on Saturday, November 7, at 2PM, select Barnes & Noble stores will host special Raspberry Jam events designed to teach attendees how to use Raspberry Pi, a tiny and affordable computer that helps users learn programming through fun, practical projects.
Even more details about the event here.
About Gary Price
