HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Herrick District Library will have the grand opening for a new digital learning and working space, Groundworks, from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19, 2019.
Groundworks is in the main library’s lower level, 300 S. River Ave. Groundworks Coordinator Kylen Blom will explain the new effort at 6 p.m. in the auditorium across the hall.
The basic idea: It’s for those looking to improve (or even start to learn) new digital design skills.
“Nothing like this has been done here before,” Groundworks Coordinator Kylen Blom said. “It’s forpeople to learn who generally don’t have access otherwise. There really isn’t anything else in Holland or the greater lakeshore area where you can get access to these programs and courses for free.”
This space in the main library’s lower level (300 S. River Ave.) will introduce adults to various topicsincluding graphic design, starting a podcast, becoming familiar with coding, and next steps inentrepreneurship. Groundworks will offer 13 free 90-minute courses each month.
The courses are designed to introduce people to new technology, to give them a foundation – or“Groundworks” – to continue learning,” Blom said.
“We wanted to look at what’s missing in the community,” Assistant Library Director Mary Cook said. “Technology can be so overwhelming, and it’s constantly changing. This will allow people to access unique software that they might not otherwise get a chance to experience due to cost.”
The public can get a sneak peek at the space during an open house 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19.Blom will present information about the innovative programming at 6 p.m.
Groundworks’ first program – Introduction to Web Design – will kick off Wednesday, Sept. 4. Signup for all Groundworks courses is available at herricdl.org/events.
Aside from introductory courses (see list of classes below this story), the new space will have open hours available for patrons to reserve time and equipment to work on their projects. One-on-one sessions will help people with their specific questions about anything from digital photography to entrepreneurship. Library patrons may register for a one-on-one appointment or for an open hours session at https://libcal.herrickdl.org/appointments/.
During open hours, patrons may reserve a laptop already equipped with design software or bring theirown. All six laptops available for reserve will be loaded with the design software suite Adobe CreativeCloud.
Adobe Creative Cloud includes Premiere Pro for industry-standard pro video and film editing; Photoshop and Lightroom for photo editing; Illustrator to create illustrations and vector art; InDesign to create layouts; Dimension to create photo realistic 3D designs; and Dreamweaver to design and develop websites, among others.
Those programs can be expensive, but HDL’s Groundworks makes it possible for people to try out different options such as Photoshop or InDesign without the expense, Cook said.
The skills learned at Groundworks could help students learn to layout a book, design a logo, start a new business, build a website, record a podcast, storytelling, take photos or learn to pitch their big idea, Blom said.
The courses build on each other. Someone might start with a photography class, then want to learn how to edit photos, then how to edit a website where they can display their photos. Then they could learn graphic design to create an effective logo and entrepreneurship to learn how to market themselves and build a business.
Groundworks is collaborating closely with organizations such as Lakeshore Makers, CultureWorks,SCORE, Surge (sponsor of the Aug. 19 open house).
Groundworks will also have podcasting equipment, digital SLR cameras and lighting equipment and aVHS to DVD converter available for use in the space during open hours. The space aims to be “welcoming and approachable,” Blom said.
GroundWorks is entirely free to HDLcard holders 16 years old and older (those living in the HDL district can obtain a free library card withcurrent photo ID) and it is geared toward those who need help at the beginning of their learningjourney.
As time goes on, more intermediate classes will be added, he said. Initially, he will teach all classes, but as Groundworks evolves, the library will bring in other area professionals to add to the knowledge base.
Blom has taught entrepreneurship at Hope College for two years and started businesses in a variety of industries.
In his spare time, he works with at risk kids through ACTS – Arts, Community Teaching and Serving – a nonprofit started by his wife, Jaine Blom.
“I’m excited to get people into the space to learn what they need and seeing what people are able tocreate,” he said.
Here is the complete list of programs available through November. All programs are at Herrick’s main library, where Groundworks is based, 300 S. River Ave.:
Introduction to Web DesignExplore various options for creating a website. Understand and explore platforms such as Squarespace, WordPress, and other e-commerce solutions.• Wednesday, September 4 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.• Thursday, October 3 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.• Monday, November 4 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Introduction to PodcastingExplore the world of podcasting including how to start, where to publish, and how to record/editcaptivating content.• Thursday, September 5 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.• Monday, October 7 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.• Wednesday, November 6 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Introduction to Print DesignLearn how to create a new project, add text, lay out a book, and adjust formatting in InDesign.• Monday, September 9 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.• Wednesday, October 9 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.• Thursday, November 7 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Introduction to PhotographyLearn the basics of using a DSLR camera. Become familiar with settings beyond automatic: shutterspeed, framing, rule of thirds, and focus areas. Bring a camera if you have one, otherwise, a sharedcamera will be provided.
• Wednesday, September 11 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.• Thursday, October 10 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.• Monday, November 11 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Introduction to VideographyPlan your shoot, equipment needed, backgrounds, audio, and lighting techniques as we learn the basics of videography using a DSLR. Bring a camera if you have one, otherwise, a shared camera will be provided.• Thursday, September 12 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.• Monday, October 14 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.• Wednesday, November 13 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Introduction to Photo EditingLearn to import images, color correct, crop, and resize images using Photoshop.• Monday, September 16 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.• Wednesday, October 16 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.• Thursday, November 14 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Introduction to Video EditingLearn to create a new project, import media, crop clips, and create transitions in Adobe Premiere.• Wednesday, September 18 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.• Thursday, October 17 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.• Monday, November 18 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Presentations 101Learn how to build presentations, develop engaging speaking techniques, and understand youraudience.• Monday, October 21 | 5:00 p.m. – 6;30p.m.• Wednesday, November 20 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Introduction to 3D ModelingLearn to select templates, explore the interface, create models and save projects.• Monday, September 23 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.• Wednesday, October 23 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.• Thursday, November 21 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Introduction to Entrepreneurship: From Ideas to StartupsTake steps to validate concepts and develop a personalized timeline.• Wednesday, September 25 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.• Thursday, October 24 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.• Monday, November 25 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Writing Digital NewslettersUsing Mailchimp and SurveyMonkey, create new campaigns, understand intentions, import contacts,and design engaging emails.• Thursday, September 26 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.• Monday, October 28 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.• Wednesday, November 27 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Intro to CodingIf you can read, you can learn to code. Using online resources, explore the basics of coding through an express course.• Monday, September 30 | 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.• Wednesday, October 30 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Introduction to Graphic DesignUsing Adobe Illustrator, learn how to create a new project, import and trace images, the basic tools ofthe program, understanding vectors, and formatting.• Wednesday, October 2 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.• Thursday, October 31 | 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
