For those with a creative spark, lack of access and training with new technologies can be an obstacle to fully realizing a project. Imagine a musician without audio equipment, a budding seamstress without a sewing machine or a designer without a 3D printer.
Inside the building at 1616 Princess Anne St. in Fredericksburg, those hurdles can be overcome and creativity can come to fruition thanks to the tools and training found at IdeaSpace.
3D printers like this one were the beginning of what would become IdeaSpace.
Established in December 2020, the genesis of IdeaSpace started in 2011 with the Central Rappahannock Regional Library’s MakerLab program. The MakerLab mobile unit traveled to different branches in the library system in order to demonstrate its then-new 3D printer.
According to Anne Lowry, interim director of community engagement and marketing manager at CRRL, the success of the touring piece inspired the opening of the first fixed-location MakerLab in 2013, made possible through a partnership with the University of Mary Washington.
MakerLab eventually expanded to three library branches and inspired library specialist Simon Watts to come up with the idea that became IdeaSpace, Lowry said. She credits Watts for the expanded vision to “create a dedicated, standalone facility capable of creating broader opportunities for innovation and making.”
At the same time, the city of Fredericksburg was searching for anchor projects to help with revitalization efforts in a proposed “Creative Maker District” along the Princess Anne corridor. Staff at CRRL took advantage of this alignment and conceived ideas for what the IdeaSpace could hold while being of service to the community.
In addition to an expanded selection of 3D printers, IdeaSpace includes laser cutters, sewing machines, drawing tablets and media transfer technology. Also included is an audio/visual space with cameras and a green screen; the library installed a sound booth via a grant though the city’s cable commission. Some equipment can even be checked out with a valid library card. The library provides training for all devices through its MakerLab Badge program.
IdeaSpace has not only helped individuals with their creative endeavors, it’s also helped in times of great crisis.
During its first year in operation, IdeaSpace used its 3D printers to create essential personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the production of 475 ear guards, 620 face shields, 158 face masks and 220 stethoscopes which were used by local medical personnel in the region.
A young customer meets IdeaSpace’s mascot and greeter, Pepper the Robot.
“IdeaSpace has a unique culture of creativity, collaboration, and innovation,” said Lowry. “The physical space is intentionally designed to encourage interaction of customers working on different projects. There is a large community table where customers can gather and share ideas.”
Members of the community have been able to utilize the IdeaSpace to learn how to bring their creative endeavors to life. As a result, many who have passed through its doors have been able to start small businesses selling their works.
Oliver Neleski learned to use the 3D printers in order to sculpt and print ball-jointed dolls, similar to the old G.I. Joe action figures that were popular in the 1980s. His highly personalized dolls are mostly used for displays and he has been able to grow a small business dealing in his art.
Neleski has been coming to IdeaSpace since 2023. He, like others, has come to see the place as a third space, an informal public space that is an alternative to being at home or in a professional office.
“Having somewhere you can go that isn’t just home or work, where you can talk to other people that isn’t necessarily based around alcohol or kids, is a really helpful space to have,” Neleski said. “I just love being here surrounded by all the creative energies and talking to all the people here.”
Currently, Neleski is learning how to operate other devices offered at IdeaSpace including its video transfer equipment.
Jessica Pignaloso has been coming since October 2024. She was also drawn in by the 3D printers but stayed for other things. She often brings her young daughter who helps with the printing but also comes to see Pepper, the humanoid robot that greets customers, answers questions and dances.
IdeaSpace recently celebrated five years of giving library customers a hand in technical knowledge.
IdeaSpace has grown in its first five years, said Lowry. Over 500 customers have earned over 2,400 equipment badges. Many of the creations made within are showcased on IdeaSpace’s Instagram account, which includes everything from embroidered band t-shirts to a functional 3D-printed guitar.
IdeaSpace also collaborated with the Fredericksburg Area Museum in 2024 to 3D scan a 1824 medal of the Marquis de Lafayette for the museum’s Lafayette’s World exhibit.
According to Lowry, these benchmarks demonstrate the community’s interest in discovering and pursuing new creative opportunities within the space.
Vicki Varela, another frequent visitor to IdeaSpace, was initially attracted by the 3D printer but has continued to learn how to use the other devices. Since first visiting two years ago, Varela has mastered every device, earning her MakerLab badges for completion and a small gold trophy for completing the cycle.
In addition to the printer, Varela also enjoys using the Glow Forge laser cutter, which she used to create Christmas ornaments and small gifts. She also uses the sewing machines to add patches and monograms to clothing items. Varela had glowing praise for the staff who help train people on each device.
“The people here are friendly, they’re very patient and they’ll teach and reteach you,” Varela said. “They’ll make sure you understand … It’s just a phenomenal place to go. I call this my happy place because I come here to relax and forget about things that trouble you.”
IdeaSpace is open Mondays through Thursdays, 2-8 p.m. and Saturdays, noon-5 p.m.
Vicki Varela uses one of the IdeaSpace’s sewing machines to make her creations.
