Imagination key ingredient in gingerbread houses

EAST LANSING –

In a crush of graham crackers, frosting and gumdrops, the East Lansing Public Library kicked off the holiday season with a gingerbread house workshop for area children on Saturday.

More than 50 children were expected at the event, which was held at the library's pop-up makerspace called Maker Studio 2.0 inside the Marriott hotel on M.A.C. Avenue.

Children were given all the supplies but no instructions, said Jill Abood, which is fitting for the goal of the Maker Studio.

"We want children to use their imagination," said Abood, head of library programs and outreach. "They're doing cooler stuff than I could even find online."

The makerspace opened in October and features hands-on learning activities, including a computer station with 3D printers, sewing machines and LEGOS. It's privately funded by an anonymous donor and will be open through February.