The Memphis Public Library & Information Center opened a state-of-the-art teen learning lab this week.
CLOUD901 will be a new home for teens to hang out in a world of technology at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.
Considered a first of its kind in the U.S., the free space officially opens to teens ages 13 to 18 at 11 a.m. Sept. 16.
CLOUD901 is an 8,300-square-foot creative production space. It is filled with technology that will help teens learn in a 21st century style based on collaboration, innovation, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking.
“One of the intentions of the library is to level the playing field,” said Kennon McCloy, Director of Libraries. “To have a space for 13- to 18-year-olds is unusual. There are robotics and STEM programs at schools, but this is really open to all people regardless of background. This is a place where people can learn in an informal setting. We hope to be the intersection for people of different backgrounds. People from private schools and public schools can make art together or work on coding a video game together.”
The lab will house a sound-mixing lab and isolation booths, video production lab, a brainstorming center, homework center, technology gallery, a café and lounge, lockers, a tool checkout desk, art studio, projection screen, performance stage, creation stations, gaming zone and much more.
Teen library cardholders will have free access to the audio and video equipment, in addition to 3D printers, X-Boxes, PS4s, MacBook Pros and Airs, monitors, keyboards, microphones and headsets.
The Memphis Library Foundation undertook a $1.9 million capital campaign to cover costs for construction, equipment and to sustain the lab. Diane Jalfon, Executive Director of the Memphis Library Foundation, said the money was raised by Memphis businesses, foundations and individuals. The city of Memphis funded additional staffers to run the center.
Teen library cardholders can visit CLOUD901 Mondays through Thursdays, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
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