By Mark Muckenfuss
More students are becoming familiar with CSU Monterey Bay’s Makerspace in the Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library. It drew just 17 students the first week it opened for regular hours in 2019. During the week before this semester’s finals, coordinator Rachel Hester said more than 350 Otters used the space.
What began as a place where students could come to exercise some creativity – whether drawing, painting, modeling or making jewelry – has grown into a social nexus as well.
“I would say I feel like part of a small community,” said Julian Pembrook, a second-year cinematic arts and technology major from San Jose. “It has that atmosphere where it feels very welcoming and very friendly. It’s a really fun place.”
Some students find it beneficial even if they’re not pulling beads or clay or other materials off the shelves. While others…