MakerFest

May is for Makers! If you didn’t already know, libraries adore Makers. Seriously, we’re big fans. So much so we’re hosting MakerFest along with our library friends at Caledon and Mississauga. MakerFest is a celebration of art, design, media, and technology; a space to geek out with inventors, scientists, fixers and tinkerers; an awesome opportunity to connect with makers and explore creative ingenuity in your community. This spectacular two-day event invites makers of all ages to learn from an inspiring roster of guest presenters, ready to share their expertise. Discover the event lineup on the official MakerFest page.  

In the spirit of sharing, we’ve curated an incredible list of online learning resources for makers, inspired by some sessions that will be happening at MakerFest! Take note that your Brampton Library card gets you free, unlimited access to everything mentioned below. If you don’t already have a Brampton Library card, this is your sign to drop everything and apply to get a library card

New to making? Consider this list a starter pack from your friends at Brampton Library. You’ll want to stash these essential resources in your toolkit as you begin dabbling in a newfound interest. If you're a seasoned maker looking to expand or revitalize your skillset, you just might get inspired with fresh content and techniques to cultivate curiosity in your practice.

For the 3D printing enthusiast

Attend 3D Design with TinkerCad, or attend Fabrication with Shop3D, at MakerFest.

Next, dive into more learning with instant access to the latest e-books and online learning content in O’Reilly. We recommend:

Make: Getting Started with 3D Printing, 2nd Edition

3D Printing and Maker Lab for Kids 

Mastering 3D Printing: A Guide to Modeling, Printing, and Prototyping

Simplifying 3D Printing with OpenSCAD

You’ll also want to consider:

For the podcast creator

Attend the podcasting session with Nav Nanwa at MakerFest.

Next, expand your learning and take a course on producing professional podcasts. This self-paced course is available through LinkedIn Learning, and provides proven tips for producing professional, high-quality podcasts on any budget. You’ll get expert advice on pre-production strategies that will help you identify business opportunities, find your niche, and create a basic outline for your show. You’ll also discover techniques for recording and editing both podcasts and screencasts, along with strategies for marketing and tracking performance.

You’ll also want to consider:

For the maker with an appetite for entrepreneurship

Attend the Maker-Entrepreneur Spotlight at MakerFest.

Next, expand your learning by taking a course on how to start your own arts and crafts business. This 6-week online class available through Gale Courses will help you discover how to create a business identity, get into the best craft shows, design booths that draw customers, and price your work effectively.

You’ll also want to consider:

For the maker who’s a big fan of all things Cricut

Attend Cricut Basics with Crystal Allen at MakerFest

We also encourage you to borrow Crystal Allen’s books for expert guidance and inspiration.

For new projects to test out on your Cricut, head over to Creativebug. Here are a few classes to start:

You’ll also want to consider:

While we’ve covered a lot of fantastic (and free) options, we also know this list is by no means exhaustive. If we missed something of particular interest to you, we encourage you to explore the Digital Library. You can also connect with library staff. We're always happy to help you find resources for your next project.

Happy making, and see you at MakerFest!