Ozark Living

capabilities so your event can reach far beyond the walls of the library. e space can be rented for community use, and use of the adjacent professional teaching kitchen makes luncheons, banquets and other catered events possible. And the Teaching Kitchen is an "event" in its own right. It's open to the public for community training and workforce development purposes such as training back of house workers and restaurant staff. A partnership with Brightwater culinary school means the school's culinary arts program offerings can be made available here to Fayetteville High School students and others. ere's more discovery to be had in the Center for Innovation. e library calls these "maker spaces," and for good reason. ere's a whole realm of opportunity and invention here, defined only by one's own ambition and creativity. "rough the Center for Innovation, we aim to be a gateway to opportunity by expanding access to technology, tools and knowledge that may otherwise be beyond the grasp of many members of our community," said Melissa Taylor, center for innovation manager. "Our goal is to be a resource not only for those who want to create and learn about new technologies, but to go beyond the traditional makerspace model and embrace technology that will support and expand workforce development opportunities right here in our own community." e Simulation Lab means students and others can practice for their driver's license or get certified for commercial driving, heavy equipment or forkli operation with the various simulators. Or, take flight and log hours towards a pilot's license on the airplane simulator. e Virtual Reality Studio next door really takes things to another dimension. Become immersed in a virtual world, travel to a new place, or hone your skills through solo and multiplayer game options. e Fabrication and Robotics Lab, which can accommodate up to 20 students, is the place to bring those ideas you've envisioned down to earth. Budding engineers will find the future is theirs in this dedicated workshop equipped with 3D printers, a laser engraver, electronics, robotics and more. Record your band's demo in the Recording Studio, then edit and mix it down. Learn and get certified in Pro Tools music soware. Create a commercial for your product in the Video Production Studio or record the next episode of your podcast in the Podcast Booth. If you can dream it, you can do it here. Photography buffs, both amateur and professional, can take advantage of the sleek, ultra modern Photography Studio. Stage the food you cooked in the professional kitchen next door and photograph it for your new cookbook. Arrange a family photo session. Edit a masterpiece. e outdoor space is thoughtful extension of what's inside the library. Venture outside to the "Gathering Glade" programming space, a great venue for summertime concerts or sunny day story time for the little ones. e outdoor swings are still up on the deck, with sweeping views of Fayetteville. All your favorite things are still here, cozy reading nooks, collaboration spaces (more of them!), the café and of course, helpful library staff eager to help you discover it all. If you haven't experienced the expanded Fayetteville Library, visit today and discover this new world of modern literacy. Visit www.faylib.org or call 479-856-7000. OZARK LIVInG • June 2023 • 23

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