Trojan Forge Celebrates Grand Opening, Launches Workshops, and Expands Hours
Ottenheimer Library marked a historic milestone this fall with the grand opening of Trojan Forge, 糖心Vlog传媒 Little Rock鈥檚 new student-led campus makerspace located on the first floor at the back of the Learning Commons. Opening its doors during the university’s centennial year, the space brings together students, faculty, and staff to celebrate a new era of hands-on learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Also, if you missed it, the Trojan Forge Makerspace Grand Opening was featured on Trojan Forge TV! Check it out here:
Designed to break down departmental silos, Trojan Forge offers the campus community free access to specialized tools and equipment, ranging from 3D printers and vinyl cutters to podcasting setups, sewing machines, and electronics kits.
Fully Staffed and Ready to Serve
The space is now fully staffed and ready to assist visitors with their creative projects. Five former Student Library Vision Partners have transitioned into roles as official Makerspace staff members, joining student team members from both the Trojan Works and Federal Work Study programs.
Current Hours of Operation:
- Monday 鈥� Thursday: 9:00 a.m. 鈥� 9:00 p.m.
- Friday: 9:00 a.m. 鈥� 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 1:00 p.m. 鈥� 10:00 p.m.
Additionally, individuals, campus groups, and classes can request customized tours and instructional sessions tailored to their projects or course goals. Simply complete this request form: Makerspace Tour, Instruction & Project Request
Strong Campus Engagement
Campus adoption has been strong right out of the gate. Since opening, the Forge has welcomed 63 total users across 50 unique project visits, with 3D printing proving to be the most popular activity so far.
Hands on Learning: Meet & Make Series
Following the grand opening, the space hosted its first hands-on workshop, Meet & Make: 3D Printing 101, on Thursday, September 24. Led by Vision Partner Facilitator Brandon Sollars and the Student Library Vision Partners, 18 participants received a practical introduction to digital design and saw live 3D printing in action.
The team plans to host the next Meet & Make workshopThursday, October 22nd, from 6 to 7:30 pm. It will be a Costumes and Crafts night, where participants are invited to create costumes and Halloween-themed decorations using Forge materials.
Keep an eye on upcoming library communications for future event dates and topics, or stop by the back of the Learning Commons to explore the space and schedule a tour! Find details about the next Meet and Make and the Makerspace in general here: Trojan Forge Makerspace