If you’re interesting in technology and programming and wanted to learn more about Arduino development—or even just want to know what Arduino is—check out this press release from the Deschutes Public Library on their free Arduino technology workshops that are coming up:

What exactly is Arduino? According to the official website, “Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It’s intended for artists, designers, students, hobbyists and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments.” Arduino technology aims to provide creative individuals with the potential to realize truly innovative ideas for smart Internet connected devices, wearable technology, high-tech automation, robotics and projects not yet imagined. Arduino, a major component of the world-wide Maker Movement, was created for the average person, without advanced engineering knowledge, to use for building amazing and interesting devices of their own creation. Get some hands-on Arduino instruction at four workshops as part of Deschutes Public Library’s Summer Reading program. Space is limited and registration for the free workshops is required.

David Robson, organizer and member of the Bend Arduino Group, says “Arduino technology is an excellent educational tool to learn software programming and understand electronic devices.” Inexpensive, open-source, and user-friendly, Arduino consists of both hardware (circuit boards) and software (a programming language). “The two can be combined in an almost infinite number of ways to make even the most whimsical projects—tweeting coffee pots, automated cat doors and elaborate lighting systems,” says Robson. Led by members of the Bend Arduino Group, the workshops are designed with the Arduino novice in mind and will cover the basics of Arduino technology. Participants will learn how to set up an Arduino, how to use the Arduino software to write programs and build basic electronic circuits. In four hours, the student will learn to build and program many demonstration circuits and launch into a world of designing their own projects. Students should bring their own laptop if they have one but the library will provide one if necessary. “With an almost unlimited range of input and output add-ons, sensors, indicators, displays, motors, and more, Arduino provides users countless ways to create devices that interact with the world around us,” says Robson.

The workshops are offered thanks to the support of local organizations and businesses including The Tech Alliance of Central Oregon, SmartWaiver, Strategic Realty, Structus Building Technologies and the Bend Arduino Group.

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at 312-1032. For more information about Arduino technology visit arduino.cc.

If you’re interested, here is the schedule (and location) of workshops:

• Saturday, June 7, 2014 • 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • La Pine Library
• Saturday, June 21, 2014 • 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. • Sisters Library
• Saturday, July 5, 2014 • 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • East Bend Library
• Saturday, July 12, 2014 • 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. • Redmond Library