Difference between revisions of "Main Page"

From Bloominglabs
Jump to: navigation, search
 
(165 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
 
<big>''A space for sharing tools and knowledge to make stuff''</big>
 
<big>''A space for sharing tools and knowledge to make stuff''</big>
  
Bloominglabs is Indiana's first hackerspace (also known as a makerspace). We are a group of group of people who rent a shared workshop where we can build projects both collectively and individually. Our space is located at 1840 S. Walnut Street. We are open to the public on Wednesday evenings from 7pm until 10pm and Saturdays from 1pm until 4pm. Our open hours are family friendly. '''Note, we are suspending our open hours for a short period of time while we do some repairs around the space.'''
+
Bloominglabs is Indiana's first hackerspace (also known as a makerspace). We are a group of group of people who rent a shared workshop where we can build projects both collectively and individually. Our space is located at 1840 S. Walnut Street.  
  
<big>'''News update'''</big>
+
[[Public meetings|We are open to the public Wednesday evenings]] from 7pm until 10pm. Our open hours are family friendly.
  
On January 10, some of our members were working on a project that they thought they had sufficient contingency plans for. They did not, and Bloomington Fire and Police Departments were called to respond to the situation. We're grateful to them for their prompt responses and are very glad the damage to the building we rent space in was kept to a minimum. We're now working to clean, repair, and make sure Bloominglabs gets back to being the awesome place to make cool stuff in that we love and that we enjoy sharing with our fellow Hoosier makers. At the same time, we're also working to improve both our safety practices and our communication about things that are going on in the space. We hope to re-open our doors to welcome you again for open hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays soon, and we'll let you know when that'll be as soon as we have that date. This is our tenth year as part of Monroe County's long history of making and we're looking forward to celebrating that with everyone, to hosting our eighth Makevention this August 29th, and to the decades of making to come.
 
  
Daniel Halsey, Bloominglabs President<br>
+
== Who are we? ==
 +
We are a bunch of people that want to do interesting things and explore the world and technology around us.  Expression of this interest takes at least as many forms as we have members, and often employs an amalgam of found and newly-constructed hardware and/or open-source and self-authored software components, but may be as simple as screwing some pieces of wood together to make a useful tool we don't have yet.
 +
 
 +
Bloominglabs was forged from the Bloomington Hackerspace Initiative and the former IU Robotics Club.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
== What is a hackerspace? ==
 +
A hackerspace is a physical location where people can share resources for their own creative pursuits. It's also a resource where people can come in off the street and advance their own knowledge. In urban locations it can often be hard to find places to weld/build/make noise and keep projects on-going without having to tear down and put-up your work each evening. With a hacker space people can work on their projects and not worry about annoying their neighbors or spouses. The social aspect is also an incredibly important component. Having people to bounce ideas off of and discuss your projects with when you get stuck is a great thing.
  
 
== Stay informed ==
 
== Stay informed ==
Line 16: Line 22:
 
* We have a public [http://www.bloominglabs.org/mailman/listinfo/bloominglabs-discuss discuss mailing list] too.
 
* We have a public [http://www.bloominglabs.org/mailman/listinfo/bloominglabs-discuss discuss mailing list] too.
 
* Our [https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bloominglabs%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York  Calendar of events]
 
* Our [https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=bloominglabs%40gmail.com&ctz=America/New_York  Calendar of events]
* Follow us on Twitter [[Image:Twitter_icon.png]] [http://twitter.com/Bloominglabs @Bloominglabs], [[Image:Facebook icon.png]] [http://www.facebook.com/pages/BloomingLabs/123873197660062?ref=ts Facebook], [https://plus.google.com/communities/105267599217836498217?gpinv=AMIXal-2hdMvNciF3pyRl26BurSmDyi3qZS9iewT4Sdvpx9KYt3mUlam08ovoQiCUZ_TgOc9EXsRIEBjTNKH8tYT9G2hG6yhJ2J3LlgNC0em8Aca51_xPVM&cfem=1 Google+], and [https://www.instagram.com/bloominglabs/ Instagram].
+
* Follow us on Twitter [[Image:Twitter_icon.png]] [http://twitter.com/Bloominglabs @Bloominglabs], [[Image:Facebook icon.png]] [http://www.facebook.com/pages/BloomingLabs/123873197660062?ref=ts Facebook], and [https://www.instagram.com/bloominglabs/ Instagram].
 +
<!--
 +
[https://plus.google.com/communities/105267599217836498217?gpinv=AMIXal-2hdMvNciF3pyRl26BurSmDyi3qZS9iewT4Sdvpx9KYt3mUlam08ovoQiCUZ_TgOc9EXsRIEBjTNKH8tYT9G2hG6yhJ2J3LlgNC0em8Aca51_xPVM&cfem=1 Google+]
 +
-->
 
* Checkout photos from past events on [http://www.flickr.com/photos/bloominglabs Flickr]
 
* Checkout photos from past events on [http://www.flickr.com/photos/bloominglabs Flickr]
 
* Our IRC server is at bloominglabs.org:6667, #hackerspace.
 
* Our IRC server is at bloominglabs.org:6667, #hackerspace.
* We can also be reached via old fashioned email at contact (]at[) bloominglabs dot o r g.
+
* We can also be reached via old fashioned email at contact [at] bloominglabs [dot] org.
 
* Send us email to get an invite to our [http://bloominglabs.slack.com/ Slack site].
 
* Send us email to get an invite to our [http://bloominglabs.slack.com/ Slack site].
 
* Send mail to P.O. Box 2443, Bloomington, IN 47402
 
* Send mail to P.O. Box 2443, Bloomington, IN 47402
 +
  
 
== Support ==
 
== Support ==
Line 36: Line 46:
 
</html>
 
</html>
  
Also, we have an  [http://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-1572418 Amazon Smile Account For Bloominglabs].
+
If you often shop at Kroger, Kroger has a program to support local non-profit organizations. This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping people do at Kroger. Steps for setting up Bloominglabs, or the NPO of your choice, are given here:
If you use that link to place an order on Amazon, we get a little cut. Thanks!
+
<br />https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards
 +
<br />If you do choose Bloominglabs, every bit helps. Thank you!
 +
<!-- Also, we have an  [http://smile.amazon.com/ch/46-1572418 Amazon Smile Account For Bloominglabs].  
 +
If you use that link to place an order on Amazon, we get a little cut. Thanks! -->
  
Information for our members: this is how we process cash and hardware [[Donations]].
+
 
 +
Members, this is how we process cash and hardware donations: [[Donations]].
 +
 
 +
== Hardware Donations ==
 +
 
 +
We appreciate hardware donations too! However, please ask before bringing any item donations and arrange to meet someone for the handoff. contact [at] bloominglabs [dot] org <!-- bring all donations to Bloominglabs during our Public Hack Meetings (see above). !-->
 +
This gives us a chance to decide what of your donation is useful to us currently. For things we can't use, we'll help you figure out other groups in Bloomington who would appreciate them or help you determine the best way to dispose of them.
  
 
----
 
----
  
=== Current Events ([[PastEvents]])===
+
== Current & Upcoming Events ==
[[File:Boominglabs.jpg|400px]]
+
([[PastEvents]])
  
[http://www.bloominglabs.org/index.php/Boo!minglabs_Halloween Boo!minglabs More information]
 
  
  
*'''[[Public meetings]]!'''
+
===[[Public meetings]]!===
** Every Wednesday from 7pm until 10pm
+
* Wednesdays from 7pm until 10pm
** 1st & 3rd Thursdays from 7pm to 10pm
+
<!--* 1st & 3rd Thursdays from 7pm to 10pm
** 2nd & 4th Fridays from 7pm to 10pm
+
* 2nd & 4th Fridays from 7pm to 10pm
** Saturdays from 1pm until 4pm
+
* Saturdays from 1pm until 4pm -->
** Come build projects, ask questions, teach things, and learn stuff
+
* E-mail contact [at] bloominglabs [dot] org or ask in Slack if you would like to arrange access to the space at another time.
** All ages and everyone is welcome
+
* Come build projects, ask questions, teach things, and learn stuff
 +
* All ages and everyone is welcome
  
== Workshops ==
 
  
All workshops are for age 12 and older unless otherwise specified. Parents must come inside to fill out a minor liability waiver for children under 18 (unless previously filled out). Some workshops have limited seats available, see descriptions for details.
+
<!--
 +
== Upcoming Workshops ==
 +
# Lets not list this heading if there are no planned workshops scheduled
  
'''Book Binding Workshop - Sunday 27th October 2019'''
 
  
[[File:BindExample1.jpeg|400px]]
+
===Introduction to Parkour===
 +
''' Mondays -- 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM '''
  
Come learn how to create a hand-bound hard-cover journal, and take yours home! We will fold our pages, sew them, and make our own covers from just boards and decorative cover paper. Learn about the components of a book, how they hold together, and take away the skills to make many more on your own.
+
* Format: In-Person, at Bloominglabs, 1840 S. Walnut St, Bloomington, IN
 +
* Cost: Drop-ins welcome, individual sessions are $15 ($10 for Bloominglabs members.) Pay cash or card on location.
  
Cost: $50 for Non-Members, $45 for Members
+
Always wanted to learn Parkour? Take the leap, with our in-depth Basic Parkour class: brought to you by [https://www.bloomingtonparkour.com BPK] and Bloominglabs! You’ll learn all the fundamentals of the Art of Movement, in a safe and fun environment.
 +
-->
  
All materials provided.
+
<!--
 +
See our [[Workshops]] page for more information.
 +
-->
  
When: Sunday, 27th October 2019 1pm-4pm.
+
<!--
  
Location: Bloominglabs
+
''' Plant Tower Workshop '''
 +
''' Saturday June 25rd, 2022 -- 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM '''
 +
[[File:Plant_tower.jpg|x200px|right]]
 +
* Format: In-Person, outside
 +
* Cost: $50 for the public, or $40 for Bloominglabs members
 +
* Maximum Class Size: 3 students
  
Registration required. Register here:
+
Plant towers are a vertical garden that can house 50+ plants in 4 sq ft of space. Plant towers also contain a composting tube to allow users to easily return their vegetative waste back to their plants.
<html>
+
 
<form target="paypal" action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post">
+
Participants will build their own plant tower and compost tube from a recycled food grade barrel. 2 hour class. All materials provided.
 +
<html><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
 
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
 
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="22ZWVXUS7KBKS">
+
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="L4MEZZUBPRUQQ">
 
<table>
 
<table>
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on0" value="Member/Non-member">Are you a member?</td></tr><tr><td><select name="os0">
+
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on0" value="Are you a Bloominglabs member?">Are you a Bloominglabs member?</td></tr><tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="Non-Member">Non-Member $50.00 USD</option>
+
<option value="Non-member">Non-member $50.00 USD</option>
<option value="Bloominglabs Member">Bloominglabs Member $45.00 USD</option>
+
<option value="Bloominglabs member">Bloominglabs member $40.00 USD</option>
 
</select> </td></tr>
 
</select> </td></tr>
 
</table>
 
</table>
 
<input type="hidden" name="currency_code" value="USD">
 
<input type="hidden" name="currency_code" value="USD">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_cart_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
+
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_paynow_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
 
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
 
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
+
</form></html>
</html>
+
  
[[File:BindExample0.jpeg|400px]]
+
''' Rain Barrel Workshop '''
 +
''' Saturday June 25rd, 2022 -- 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM '''
 +
* Format: In-Person, outside
 +
* Cost: $50 for the public, or $40 for Bloominglabs members
 +
* Maximum Class Size: 3 students
  
 +
During the summer months, lawns and gardens account for an average of 40% of household water usage. Water barrels can help to reduce water usage and bills by allowing you to tend to your lawn and garden using naturally harvested rain water. Come make one for yourself! All materials and tools will be provided.
  
----
+
<html><form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
 +
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
 +
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="L4MEZZUBPRUQQ">
 +
<table>
 +
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on0" value="Are you a Bloominglabs member?">Are you a Bloominglabs member?</td></tr><tr><td><select name="os0">
 +
<option value="Non-member">Non-member $50.00 USD</option>
 +
<option value="Bloominglabs member">Bloominglabs member $40.00 USD</option>
 +
</select> </td></tr>
 +
</table>
 +
<input type="hidden" name="currency_code" value="USD">
 +
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_paynow_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
 +
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
 +
</form></html>
  
'''"Giving of Thanks" workshop in honor of Staci Radford-Vincent'''
 
  
Come join us for a "Giving of Thanks" workshop in honor of one of Bloominglabs' early champions, Staci Radford-Vincent. During Bloominglabs' early years, we greatly benefited from our partnership with Wonderlab, and that relationship was largely fostered by Staci. Her enthusiasm and creativity inspired a lot of our first events. She was always willing to do crazy workshops at Wonderlab and make fun things in sustainable ways.
 
  
To thank Staci for her role in our early success, we will hold a ScribbleBots workshop. Scribblebots are fun for adults, so come make a bot and remember all the fun we had in those early Wonderlab workshops.  You don't need to be there the whole time, but make sure you come early enough to leave about a half an hour to make a robot. Refreshments will be provided.
+
'''Check out [[Workshops]] to see even further into the future!'''
 
+
Cost: Free. We will be taking donations in Staci's name to split between Wonderlab and Bloominglabs
+
 
+
When: Sunday, November 10th from 1 to 4pm
+
 
+
Who: Family friendly and all ages welcome. Under 12 need a parent or guardian.
+
 
+
[[File:Scribblebots.jpg|400px]]
+
 
+
== Donations ==
+
 
+
We appreciate donations! However, please bring all donations to Bloominglabs during our Public Hack Meetings (see above). That gives us a chance to decide what of your donation is useful to us. For things we can't use, we'll help you figure out other groups in Bloomington who would appreciate them or help you determine the best way to dispose of them.
+
  
 
== Current Initiatives ==
 
== Current Initiatives ==
Line 121: Line 153:
 
* improve the tool and workspace arrangement and cleanliness
 
* improve the tool and workspace arrangement and cleanliness
 
* purge excess junk
 
* purge excess junk
* vend snacks and drinks (we used to do this at the previous space, but haven't since moving)
+
* <span style="text-decoration:line-through;">vend snacks and drinks (we used to do this at the previous space, but haven't since moving)</span> Achieved!
* revive the asset management system, and add our new assets to it
+
* <strike>revive the asset management system</strike>, and add our new assets to it
 
* make Bloominglabs's web presence friendlier
 
* make Bloominglabs's web presence friendlier
 
** The page you get when people from the public go to [http://bloominglabs.org bloominglabs.org] has an overwhelming amount of information on it.
 
** The page you get when people from the public go to [http://bloominglabs.org bloominglabs.org] has an overwhelming amount of information on it.
Line 129: Line 161:
 
** It might be good to have a page that lists all members with their name, picture, username, email, interests, areas of the space they are familiar with, etc.
 
** It might be good to have a page that lists all members with their name, picture, username, email, interests, areas of the space they are familiar with, etc.
 
* make the [[3D Printers]] more reliable, make the 3D printing process easier, and spread the knowledge
 
* make the [[3D Printers]] more reliable, make the 3D printing process easier, and spread the knowledge
* wire the CCTV system
+
* <strike>wire the CCTV system</strike>
 
* wire speakers in the lounge (and maybe in the classroom)
 
* wire speakers in the lounge (and maybe in the classroom)
  
== Membership ==
+
-->
We are accepting memberships! Please see the [[Membership Manual]] for details. If you are a new member please check out the [[New Members]] page as well.
+
  
 +
== [[Public meetings]] and Membership ==
 +
Please see the [[Membership Manual]] and [[New Members]] for more details.
  
== [[Public meetings|Meetings]] ==
+
During normal non-pandemic conditions we meet every Wednesday from 7pm to 10pm at 1840 S. Walnut Street. These meetings are open to the public; anyone is welcome to attend. Having access to tools is only part of the equation. Socializing with people and learning from each other is another large benefit from our group. Pretty much whatever people want to work on or learn is fair game. If it's cool and interesting you'll find somebody who's interested.
Currently we meet every Wednesday from 7pm to 10pm and every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm at 1840 S. Walnut Street, Bloomington, Indiana. These meetings are open to the public; anyone is welcome to attend. Having access to tools is only part of the equation. Socializing with people and learning from each other is another large benefit from our group. Pretty much whatever people want to work on or learn is fair game. If it's cool and interesting then we are all interested.
+
  
 
* [[Meeting_Minutes]]
 
* [[Meeting_Minutes]]
 
* [[Bloominglabs Log]] - highlights of Bloominglabs events and news
 
* [[Bloominglabs Log]] - highlights of Bloominglabs events and news
 
== Who are we? ==
 
We are a bunch of people that want to do interesting things and explore the world and technology around us.  Expression of this interest takes at least as many forms as we have members, and often employs an amalgam of found and newly-constructed hardware and/or open-source and self-authored software components, but may be as simple as screwing some pieces of wood together to make a useful tool we don't have yet.
 
 
Bloominglabs was forged from the Bloomington Hackerspace Initiative and the former IU Robotics Club.
 
 
* Read our [[Bylaws]] for a more formalized overview
 
 
 
== What is a hackerspace? ==
 
A hackerspace is a physical location where people can share resources for their own creative pursuits. It's also a resource where people can come in off the street and advance their own knowledge. In urban locations it can often be hard to find places to weld/build/make noise and keep projects on-going without having to tear down and put-up your work each evening. With a hacker space people can work on their projects and not worry about annoying their neighbors or spouses. The social aspect is also an incredibly important component. Having people to bounce ideas off of and discuss your projects with when you get stuck is a great thing.
 
 
  
 
== Nearby Hackerspaces/Makerspace or initiatives: ==
 
== Nearby Hackerspaces/Makerspace or initiatives: ==
* [http://www.clubcyberia.org/ Cyberia (Indianapolis, Indiana!)]
 
 
* [http://castlemakers.org/ Castlemakers (Greencastle, Indiana)]
 
* [http://castlemakers.org/ Castlemakers (Greencastle, Indiana)]
 
* [http://www.shakmakerspace.com/ The SHAK (Kokomo, Indiana)]
 
* [http://www.shakmakerspace.com/ The SHAK (Kokomo, Indiana)]
 +
* [http://www.themakerhive.com/ The MakerHive (Elkhart, Indiana)]
 
* [http://hive13.org Hive13 (Cincinnati, Ohio)]
 
* [http://hive13.org Hive13 (Cincinnati, Ohio)]
 
* [http://www.lvl1.org LVL1 (Louisville, Kentucky)]
 
* [http://www.lvl1.org LVL1 (Louisville, Kentucky)]
* <strike>[http://hackerspaces.org/wiki/Vault404 Vault404 (Louisville, Kentucky)]</strike>
+
<!--
 
* <strike>[http://collexion.net/ Collexion (Lexington, Kentucky)]</strike> All that remains is a [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!topic/collexion/3m5kRObHP-U discussion list].
 
* <strike>[http://collexion.net/ Collexion (Lexington, Kentucky)]</strike> All that remains is a [https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!topic/collexion/3m5kRObHP-U discussion list].
 +
* <strike>[http://makerspacegoshen.org/ Makerspace Goshen (Goshen, Indiana)]</strike>
 +
-->
 
* [https://pumpingstationone.org/ Pumping Station: One (Chicago, Illinois)]  
 
* [https://pumpingstationone.org/ Pumping Station: One (Chicago, Illinois)]  
 
* [http://www.daytondiode.org/ Dayton Diode (Dayton, Ohio)]  
 
* [http://www.daytondiode.org/ Dayton Diode (Dayton, Ohio)]  
* <strike>[http://wiki.detroitfacility.org/index.php/Main_Page Detroit Facility]</strike> Merged with i3 Detroit
 
 
* [http://www.i3detroit.com/ i3 Detroit (Detroit, Michigan)]
 
* [http://www.i3detroit.com/ i3 Detroit (Detroit, Michigan)]
* <strike>[http://makerspacegoshen.org/ Makerspace Goshen (Goshen, Indiana)]</strike>
+
* [http://www.kre8now.com Kre8Now (Lexington, Kentucky)] (related to the former Collexion space)
* [https://www.kre8now.com/ Kre8now] (Lexington, Kentucky)
+
* [http://www.themakerhive.com/ The MakerHive] (Elkhart, Indiana)
+
 
+
  
 
== Other Cool Groups in Bloomington & Monroe County ==
 
== Other Cool Groups in Bloomington & Monroe County ==
 +
<!--
 
* [http://ifnbloomington.blogspot.com/ Indiana Filmmakers Network] -- provides support, camaraderie and resources to filmmakers.
 
* [http://ifnbloomington.blogspot.com/ Indiana Filmmakers Network] -- provides support, camaraderie and resources to filmmakers.
* [http://www.bloomingtonradio.org/ Bloomington Amateur Radio Club]
 
 
* [http://www.indiana.edu/~k9iu/ Indiana University Amateur Radio Club]
 
* [http://www.indiana.edu/~k9iu/ Indiana University Amateur Radio Club]
 
* [http://www.iub.edu/~iumakes/index.html IU Makes]
 
* [http://www.iub.edu/~iumakes/index.html IU Makes]
 +
* [http://sustain.indiana.edu/programs/hoosier-to-hoosier/index.php The annual Hoosier to Hoosier event (resale trail)]
 
* <s>[http://bfabs.wordpress.com/ Bloomington personal Fabrication Group (IU 3D Printing Club)]</s> (no longer meeting) - also a trac hosted <s>[http://bloominglabs.org/trac/pfab/ here]</s>
 
* <s>[http://bfabs.wordpress.com/ Bloomington personal Fabrication Group (IU 3D Printing Club)]</s> (no longer meeting) - also a trac hosted <s>[http://bloominglabs.org/trac/pfab/ here]</s>
* [http://sustain.indiana.edu/programs/hoosier-to-hoosier/index.php The annual Hoosier to Hoosier event (resale trail)]
+
-->
 +
* [http://www.bloomingtonradio.org/ Bloomington Amateur Radio Club]
 +
* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/k9iuarc/ Indiana University Amateur Radio Club]
 +
* [https://73siara.org Southern Indiana Amateur Radio Association]
 +
* [https://iumakes.indiana.edu IU Makes]
 
* [http://www.discardia.org/ Discardia]
 
* [http://www.discardia.org/ Discardia]
 
* [http://www.presspuzzles.com/ Press (jigsaw) Puzzles]
 
* [http://www.presspuzzles.com/ Press (jigsaw) Puzzles]

Latest revision as of 00:08, 3 July 2024

Welcome to Bloominglabs, Bloomington's very own hackerspace!

A space for sharing tools and knowledge to make stuff

Bloominglabs is Indiana's first hackerspace (also known as a makerspace). We are a group of group of people who rent a shared workshop where we can build projects both collectively and individually. Our space is located at 1840 S. Walnut Street.

We are open to the public Wednesday evenings from 7pm until 10pm. Our open hours are family friendly.


Contents

[edit] Who are we?

We are a bunch of people that want to do interesting things and explore the world and technology around us. Expression of this interest takes at least as many forms as we have members, and often employs an amalgam of found and newly-constructed hardware and/or open-source and self-authored software components, but may be as simple as screwing some pieces of wood together to make a useful tool we don't have yet.

Bloominglabs was forged from the Bloomington Hackerspace Initiative and the former IU Robotics Club.


[edit] What is a hackerspace?

A hackerspace is a physical location where people can share resources for their own creative pursuits. It's also a resource where people can come in off the street and advance their own knowledge. In urban locations it can often be hard to find places to weld/build/make noise and keep projects on-going without having to tear down and put-up your work each evening. With a hacker space people can work on their projects and not worry about annoying their neighbors or spouses. The social aspect is also an incredibly important component. Having people to bounce ideas off of and discuss your projects with when you get stuck is a great thing.

[edit] Stay informed


[edit] Support

Bloominglabs Incorporated is a non-profit registered within in the state of Indiana and has 501(c)3 charitable status. Want to make a donation with PayPal? Please use this link:

  • (Note to members - this link should not be used for paying membership dues)

If you often shop at Kroger, Kroger has a program to support local non-profit organizations. This program makes fundraising easy by donating to local organizations based on the shopping people do at Kroger. Steps for setting up Bloominglabs, or the NPO of your choice, are given here:
https://www.kroger.com/i/community/community-rewards
If you do choose Bloominglabs, every bit helps. Thank you!


Members, this is how we process cash and hardware donations: Donations.

[edit] Hardware Donations

We appreciate hardware donations too! However, please ask before bringing any item donations and arrange to meet someone for the handoff. contact [at] bloominglabs [dot] org This gives us a chance to decide what of your donation is useful to us currently. For things we can't use, we'll help you figure out other groups in Bloomington who would appreciate them or help you determine the best way to dispose of them.


[edit] Current & Upcoming Events

(PastEvents)


[edit] Public meetings!

  • Wednesdays from 7pm until 10pm
  • E-mail contact [at] bloominglabs [dot] org or ask in Slack if you would like to arrange access to the space at another time.
  • Come build projects, ask questions, teach things, and learn stuff
  • All ages and everyone is welcome



[edit] Public meetings and Membership

Please see the Membership Manual and New Members for more details.

During normal non-pandemic conditions we meet every Wednesday from 7pm to 10pm at 1840 S. Walnut Street. These meetings are open to the public; anyone is welcome to attend. Having access to tools is only part of the equation. Socializing with people and learning from each other is another large benefit from our group. Pretty much whatever people want to work on or learn is fair game. If it's cool and interesting you'll find somebody who's interested.

[edit] Nearby Hackerspaces/Makerspace or initiatives:

[edit] Other Cool Groups in Bloomington & Monroe County

[edit] Special Wiki Pages

Uploaded files

Personal tools