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FRIENDS OF THE BOCA RATON PUBLIC LIBRARY RECEIVE GRANT FROM IBM FOR NEW DISCOVER STUDIO (Boca Raton, FL) – The Boca Raton Public Library is pleased to announce that IBM has awarded a $2,000 grant to Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library for the new Discover Studio. The award will be used to fund equipment and instructors to teach emerging technologies to members of the community, including 3D printing, music production, audio podcasting, and photo and film editing. Thanks to this unique opportunity, library patrons and the community can develop new talents and skills through technology at the Discover Studio. Each year, IBM provides grants for specific projects to non-profit organizations that have IBM retirees as volunteers. Former IBM employee Krista Maki serves on the Board for the Friends of the Boca Raton Public Library. Notes Maki, “The money will be put to good use by the library as it transforms itself to better meet the educational needs of [library patrons] as they prepare for success in today’s world. The commitment of IBM to volunteerism and to the important roles of non-profits in building a better world make me proud of my days as an IBMer.” In September 2015, the library launched the Discover Studio at its downtown location thanks to funding by the Friends organization. Initial offerings included the introduction of 3D technology through demonstration classes and hands-on workshops using FlashForge Creator Pro printers. In November, the Discover Studio will move into its second phase of classes and workshops that teach music production and audio podcasting. Next year, the library will add classes in photo and film editing to the Discover Studio’s pop-up model of providing classes in rotation. All classes and workshops at the Discover Studio will be announced through the Events Calendar at bocalibrary.org. Classes are free, but require registration and a valid Boca Raton Public Library card.