In today’s society, it seems like many young people are more content to consume goods than produce them.
The idea of building something with your own two hands is rapidly becoming a foreign concept as fingers spend more time touching screens than touching tools.
But Sian Marshall, head of teen services at the Oxford Public Library, would like to help buck that trend.
That’s why she’s organized a M.U.T. lab lock-in event for 6-9 p.m. on Friday, March 13. It will take place in the library’s Rotary Club of Oxford Community Room.
M.U.T. stands for Make it, Use it, Try it.
The idea is quite simple ? create an atmosphere where young people can learn skills they might not normally be exposed to from both their peers and older members of the community. Skills include working with simple hand tools, computer programming, weaving, paper crafts, basic electronics and fiber arts.
‘This is my way of extending my love of making stuff to kids who I think need it,? Marshall said.
Years ago, young people often learned a great deal of things from their parents and grandparents such as how to use tools, how to cook, how to sew, etc.
‘They learned valuable life skills ? skills that parents and grandparents had in spades,? Marshall said.
But modern life has changed family dynamics. Grandparents often live far away. In many families, either both parents have jobs or there’s only one parent in the household.
Because of these changes, Marshall believes many of the opportunities young people once had to learn skills from the adults in their lives have disappeared.
And technology is just no substitute.
‘You’re never going to be able to cut a piece of wood by swiping it with your finger,? Marshall said. ‘You’re never going to be able to put a screw in by just tapping on a screen.?
She hopes the M.U.T. lab will help recapture some of that old spirit and aid in the transmission of hands-on knowledge from one generation to the next.
For example, during the March 13 event, young people will be given the opportunity to build a loom, then use it to weave together strips of old fabric to form a ‘rag rug.?
They will also have the chance to learn computer programming from some Oxford High School students, learn how a three-dimensional printer works and create an art project using markers powered by the motors and batteries from electric toothbrushes.
‘It’s about having a go at stuff,? Marshall said. ‘Seeing what you can do. Not being limited by what you think you can do. How do you know you don’t want to do something unless you’ve tried it??
Learning a new skill at the M.U.T. lab could prove valuable later in life.
‘You might find something that turns into a career,? Marshall explained. ‘Maybe you’ve got an aptitude for sewing. There could be an excellent fashion designer here. Maybe you’ve got an aptitude for 3-D spatial thinking. You might turn out to be an architect. You don’t know until you have a go at stuff.?
Marshall is hoping to turn the M.U.T. lab into a monthly event. She wants young people to view the library as ‘a place to come and learn skills they need in life.?
‘It’s not just a place to keep books,? she said. ‘This is your space. It’s somewhere to go, that third place. It’s not school. It’s not home. But there are people (here) who care about you and want to give you opportunities.?
Marshall is anxious to receive lots of input from young people regarding the types of skills they would like to learn and be exposed to at these M.U.T. labs.
‘I’m open to suggestions,? she said. ‘This isn’t about a middle-aged lady telling them what they want to do.?
She would also like to hear from members of the community who have a skill, interest or passion they would like to share with young people.
‘There’s so many people who are so skilled around here,? Marshall said. ‘I’ve got skills and interests I would love to pass on.?
Registration is required for the M.U.T. lab lock-in and it can be done by calling the library at (248) 628-3034.