Tech fun at new Rotorua library not just for children

Library staff Victoria Macann, Ani Sharland and Trish Brown in the new iMac Computer Suite at Rotorua Library. Photo/Supplied

There are plenty of opportunities for grown-ups to have some fun and learn about technology at Rotorua Library in the newly refurbished Te Aka Mauri in the coming week.

Drones, 3D printing and Scratch computer coding are among the options for adults in addition to regular, basic computer classes.

"This is a chance to see some of the new facilities and resources on offer at your library while learning something exciting," ICT education lead Victoria Macann said.

Expert drone operator and photographer Regan Fraser will give a presentation about drone technology and its application in the Makerspace this Saturday at 10am.

This presentation will be of interest if you have never seen a drone before or if you have your own drone and need some tips for improving images.

This session is for anyone 12 and over.

Last week's TinkerCAD and 3D printing workshop for children proved popular, and now adults have their chance to learn how to use the TinkerCAD software on the iMAC computers to create a simple design in 3D.

They can then have that design printed on the library's 3D printers.

This workshop will be in the Mac Computer Suite this Saturday, 1pm to 2.30pm.

For those wanting to get started with computers, free basic Stepping Up classes have resumed with a new and improved format.

Classes now run on Tuesdays and Thursdays for one hour from 10am during school term and booking is required to ensure a place.

These classes cover a wide range of topics from Gmail and Google drive to Trade Me and spreadsheets.

The change to more frequent and shorter classes has been made to allow more people to attend.

Learning computer programming may seem well out of reach for many adults, but the very visual, drag and drop coding programme Scratch makes learning the principles of coding easy and fun.

A free session for adults wanting to give it a go will be held in the iMac Computer Suite on Tuesdayfrom 1pm to 2.30pm.

Booking is essential for all of the above classes, workshops and the presentation.

The Drones Presentation and TinkerCAD workshops each cost $5, while the Stepping Up classes and the Scratch coding session for adults are free.

Macann is thrilled to see members of the community starting to make the most of the new spaces on the second floor of Te Aka Mauri.

The Makerspace and the iMac Computer Suite are two of three digital learning, creative and collaborative spaces that were funded by BayTrust, and the library is now able to start offering activities in these area thanks to the support of Programmes Partners Unison, Tompkins Wake and the Wright Family Foundation.

Macann said this was just the start.

"We have so much planned including robotics, combining technology with art, building structures and a raft of new software on the computer for graphic design, photo manipulation and animation."

For bookings and further information visit www.rotorualibrary.govt.nz or contact Rotorua Library.