Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
Richard Spottswood Stenger works at AAA for Business, located just a brisk walk from the Downtown Main Library. A self-described Library fan, Richard uses the MakerSpace to print using the high-quality, professional photo printer.
“I’ll bring matte paper or glossy paper and print off family photos, friends’ photos, and postcards,” says Richard, adding that he’ll then use the MakerSpace’s cutting board.
Another resource he loves? Adobe Creative Suite. The computer in the photography area has Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Premiere Pro installed for video and photo editing; and each Digital Creation Station computer is loaded with the full Adobe Creative Suite software.
“I’ll restore old photos that are not in very good shape," says Richard of using Adobe Creative Suite at the Library. “I have a wonderful photo of my grandmother, for example, when she was about 12 years old. To see it go from before and after, and then to print it out and share... It’s been wonderful. I’m very appreciative of the Library to offer the MakerSpace.”
He praises MakerSpace staff, too, citing their know-how, their helpfulness in setting up equipment, and their willingness to answer questions.
“The value is immeasurable,” says Richard. “I really am amazed by all the different people I see [at MakerSpace]. I see judges. I see retired people. I see teenagers. They’re doing so many cool things: They’re using the infrared printer. They're making giant campaign signs on canvas and making tchotchkes for fundraisers.”
A Lifelong Library Customer
Richard isn’t a stranger to the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library. He lived in Mount Lookout as a kid, and a bookmobile would stop near his house about once a week.
Later, he started going to the Hyde Park Branch. As an adult, he says he has visited at least half of CHPL’s locations, utilizing meeting and study rooms .
“I feel like I have remote office space or brick-and-mortar office space all over town,” said Richard. “Not only that, but it’s also really nice that you can print 20-30 pages a day [for free], depending on whether it’s color or black and white.”
A seventh generation Cincinnatian, Richard says one of his greatest joys of using CHPL is being able to share the Library with his four children, who are all voracious readers.
“I have found CHPL to be a home away from home,” says Richard. “It’s a doorway to the entire world, and it’s a doorway between generations.”
Mackenzie Manley is currently reading "Dungeon Crawler Carl" by Matt Dinniman.
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