Groups hope to create 'Community learning center' in Sidney

Representatives from a handful of Sidney organizations have banded together to work toward creating a space in the city where residents of all ages could gather to learn, share knowledge and work on projects.

Community learning centers – or makerspaces – have been established throughout the nation, including in Nebraska, as places for community members to share resources and knowledge. The centers foster entrepreneurship along with work skills and creativity.

"We're looking at the idea of being able to give the community the resources for work skill development and self learning," said Andrew Sherman, Sidney Public Library director.

Last week, Sherman explained the concept at a Sidney City Council meeting. On Tuesday, he was joined by representatives from the city and the University of Nebraska Extension Office as he made a similar presentation to the Cheyenne County Board of Commissioners.

"Nebraska is pro-business and in general, people want to buy and support local efforts," states a document handed out to commissioners. "Building a culture of innovation and creating a welcoming environment for entrepreneurship is important."

The space would allow individuals to learn, create, explore and invent – through access to technology, education and resources, the document adds.

"The idea is to provide the tools for individuals in the community to come in and build their own items," Sherman said.

According to the group's vision, the space could include woodworking tools, art spaces, a computer lab and meeting rooms.

"The self learning we promote in the library world, let's take it beyond reading," Sherman explained.

While the function of libraries has changed over the years, they have remained committed to helping community members be well educated.

"This is an extension of that," Sherman said.

Not only could patrons find the materials to research and read on various topics, but they could take that newfound knowledge and use it in practical applications, he said.

"We've seen some cool instances of success in Omaha and that area," Sherman said of makerspaces. "We may be a small community, but there's no reason we can't do it, too."

Currently, the group is seeking a space that could accommodate the learning center.

"Our group is formed, and we're now out trying to see if we could find some vacant space and then, with a combination of resources, seeing if we could staff it," Sherman told commissioners.

Connie Hancock, of UNL Extension, said Cheyenne County is rife with individuals who have expertise in numerous areas.

"We have a huge amount of talent in this county, let's bring them together," she said.

Because community learning centers are relatively new in rural communities, grants could be available to help with funding, she added.

The need – and want – for a space in Sidney is present, Sherman said.

"It's just bringing minds together," Hancock added. "And when you bring unique minds together, good things will happen."

In the coming weeks, the group will meet with other possible collaborators and continue looking for a space, Tina Hochwender, Sidney Economic Development director, told the commissioners.