The US Embassy in Belarus donated 3D materials for a creative workshop to the Vitebsk Library of Foreign Literature

Kits for technical creativity, electronic textiles creation, a 3D printer, 3D pens, robotics, programming, and electronics learning kits – this once expensive pleasure is now available to readers of the foreign literature library of the regional center.

"I hope that these devices will attract new readers to your library, where they can feel like makers, creators, innovators, and masters," noted the U.S. Chargé d'Affaires in the Republic of Belarus, Scott Roland, who came to personally present the gifts.

By the way, the maker movement, according to the Chargé d'Affaires, is actively developing in America and is supported at the state level to engage youth in science and design, to teach the modern generation to be creators, not just consumers. American libraries are increasingly using this approach to attract new visitors.

Now, residents of the northern capital can also join this foreign trend. The maker equipment has already sparked keen interest among students of local universities, who are regular library patrons and attended the meeting with the foreign guest. Incidentally, the U.S. Embassy has been assisting the Vitebsk library in building its collection for 10 years, and this year the amount of aid exceeded $6,000.

Scott Roland noted that the mission of American libraries is changing somewhat today, with the creation of kind of science and creative hubs. They now offer visitors not only books but also internet access and modern equipment, such as the 3D printer, which an ordinary person cannot afford to buy. All this is done to retain old and attract new visitors.

Galina Danilova, Director of the Vitebsk Central Library System, believes that the technical innovations will give new impetus to the development of the foreign literature library of the regional center.

Natalia Ryzhkova, photo by the author. "Vitebskiye vesti".