Makerspaces are exciting programs to have in your library! Involving creativity, thinking in new ways, technology, and anything else you can think of, they help patrons to get involved in the library and with some great projects!

They usually involve some technology, but if this is something beyond your skills or budget – it can be focused in other areas of creative work. Don’t be afraid to put out things to let your patrons experiment! You do not have to know all the answers to provide a good experience.

Below we are breaking up material by library type, but understand that all libraries can use ideas from any type. All of these will be adapted to your community’s needs, to be sure you are providing the best service possible! (And if everyone ends up having fun – even better!)

A few model libraries:

• Chattanooga Public Library 4th Floor
• Chicago Public Library Maker Lab
• Missoula Public Library MakerSpace
• Lewis and Clark Elementary School
• Kitsap Public Library

For all Libraries

• The Makerspace Librarian’s Sourcebook Edited by Ellyssa Kroski
• Looking to Create a Makerspace in your Library? Here are some ideas
• Makerspace Resources (includes several booklets to download)
• YALSA’s list of  Maker and DIY Programs
• ALA’s Make it At Your Library site
• Junior Maker Space, from ALA and LEGO
• Instructables video instruction
• IMLS projects
• Teach, Learn, and Make with Raspberry Pi
• Maker Movement (from Library of the Future)

School Library Material:

• How This School Library Increased Student Use by 1,000 Percent
• Lewis and Clark Elementary School makerspace homepage
• School Libraries Push for More Makerspaces
• School Libraries and Makerspaces: Can they Coexist?
• Creating a School Library Makerspace: The Beginning of a Journey
• Are They Really Learning? A Case Study of a School Library Makerspace

 

Public Library Material:

• Lots of links from the Public Library Association (PLA)
• From Wikipedia: Public library makerspaces:
  • 4th Floor at Chattanooga Public Library
  • Allen County Public Library Maker Labs
  • Beaufort County Library Creation Station
  • Black & Veatch MakerSpace at Johnson County Library
  • Broward County Library Creation Station
  • The Bubbler at Madison Public Library
  • Fayetteville Free Library Creation Lab, Fab Lab, and Little Makerspace
  • The Labs at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
  • Cincinnati Library MakerSpace
  • Chicago Public Library Maker Lab
  • TechCentral MakerSpace at Cleveland Public Library
  • CreateSpace at Middletown Free Library
  • Creativity Lab at Peabody Institute Library
  • Duxbury Free Library Makerspace
  • ideaLAB at Denver Public Library
  • Jocelyn H. Lee Innovation Lab at Harris County Public Library
  • HATCH at Watertown Free Public Library
  • The Hive at John F. Germany Public Library
  • The Labs at DC Public Library
  • The Maker Spot at the North Richland Hills Library
  • MACH1 at Phoenix Public Library
  • Make It at the Library (Idaho)
  • medialab at Lomira QuadGraphics Community Library
  • MILL Studio at Loudoun County Public Library
  • Morse Institute Library Innovation Studio
  • Pikes Peak Library District’s Make & Make II
  • Richland Library Teen Center
  • Seminole Community Library Innovation Lab
  • Skokie Public Library Digital Media Labs
  • The Studio at Anythink (Rangeview) Libraries
  • The Studio at Winnetka Library
  • Digital Media Lab Highland Park Public Library
  • Westport Public Library MakerSpace
  • Urbana Free Library Teen Open Lab

 

Academic Libraries

• Makerspaces Move into Academic Libraries
• Making Sense: Can Makerspaces Work in Academic Libraries?
• 3 Reasons Why Makerspaces are for Academic Libraries, Too
• Top 4 Reasons Why Makerspaces Matter in Academic Libraries & How to Get Started
• Changes in Libraries: Makerspaces in Academic Libraries
• Make it Work! Starting a Makerspace in an Academic Library, Phase 1<

Our blog articles:

• Collections, events, and makerspace funding ideas!
• Need makerspace ideas or gadgets?
• The latest in makerspace technology
• Top 20 middle school makerspace tools

• Teaching4Tomorrow

Do you want to talk to us about this topic now?? Just fill out the comment box below, and we will be ready to help you!