Makerspaces are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. In libraries they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware supplies and tools, and more. Forward-thinking libraries are already building their own dedicated makerspaces and developing valuable STEM programming based on the tools and technologies found therein. Learn all about the essential tools and technologies found in makerspaces and how you can host engaging STEM programming using tech such as Raspberry Pis, wearable electronics, virtual reality, and robotics in your library whether you have a dedicated makerspace or not!

1. Empowering Creativity
Exploring Makerspaces and Engaging STEM Programming in Libraries
Ellyssa Valenti Kroski
http://amazon.com/author/ellyssa
Director of Innovation & Engagement, The New York Law Institute

2. Agenda
• What are Makerspaces?
• Discussion: Who has been to a makerspace?
• Makerspace Tools of the Trade
• Libraries with Makerspaces
• Discussion: Tell Us About Your Own
Library Makerspace Events!
• Makerspace Programming for Libraries
• Host a Pyrography Event
• Host a Jewelry-Making Event
• Host a Papercrafts Event
• Host a Sewing Event
• Host an Artist Trading Cards Event

3. Makerspaces, n.
Makerspaces, sometimes also referred to as hackerspaces, hackspaces, and fablabs
are creative, DIY spaces where people can gather to create, invent, and learn. In
libraries they often have 3D printers, software, electronics, craft and hardware
supplies and tools, and more.

4. Types of Makerspaces
• Hackerspace – Places where
computer programmers can share
knowledge and information in a
common setting.
• Fablab – Fabrication laboratories -
structured but creative places of
production.
• Makerspace – A DIY, informal space
for making oftentimes equipped
with the tools of production such as
hardware, machinery, etc.

5. Why start a Makerspace in your library?
• Partnering with the community
in the creative goal of making
• Informal learning opportunities
• Valuable STEM skills
• Making encourages curiosity
and inventiveness

6. Library Maker Community
• MakerSpaces and the Participatory Library
• Facebook Group (5k members)
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/librarymaker/
• Makers in the Library
• Facebook Group (700 members)
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/222263795579085

7. Safety in Library Makerspaces
• Creating a “culture of safety”
• Basic safety equipment
• Training programs
• Procedures and policies
• Safe workspaces
• Staffing and supervising
• Opening up after COVID

8. Discussion: Who has been to a Makerspace?
Do you have a makerspace in your library?

9. Makerspace Tools of the Trade

10. Hi-Tech

11. 3D Printers

12. 3d Scanners

13. Raspberry Pi

14. Arduino
Star Lord board in action!: https://twitter.com/ellyssa/status/840018624895209472

15. Wearable Electronics

16. VR and Google
Cardboard
• http://www.imcardboard.com

17. Electronics and Circuit Kits
https://chibitronics.com

18. CNC and Milling

19. Robotics

20. Low-Tech

21. Legos

22. Sewing

23. Crafts – Felties, Fabric Paint, Woodburning

24. Crafts – Felties, Fabric Paint, Woodburning

25. Crafts - Jewelry Making

26. Crafts - Paper

27. Libraries with Makerspaces

28. Allen County Public Library Maker Labs
https://acpl.lib.in.us/explore/maker-labs

29. Gwinnet Public Library Learning Labs
https://www.gwinnettpl.org/learninglabs

30. Appalachian State University Belk Library Makerspaces
https://guides.library.appstate.edu/makerspace

31. Yarra Plenty
Regional Library
Makerspaces
• https://www.yprl.vic.gov.au/ex
plore/maker-spaces

32. Abilene Christian University Makerspace
https://makerlab.online

33. University of Nebraska Omaha Libraries Creative Labs
https://www.unomaha.edu/criss-
library/creative-production-lab/

34. San Jose Public Library Maker[Space]Ship
https://www.sjpl.org/makerspaceship

35. Discussion: Tell Us About Your Own Library Makerspace
Events!

36. Intermission

37. Makerspace Programming for Libraries

38. Host a Pyrography Event
Create Wood-burning programs

39. Host a Pyrography Event
• Supplies Needed for Libraries without makerspaces:
• Wood burning pens
• Unfinished wood such as blank wooden slices for ornaments or jewelry,
clocks, trays, signs
• Carbon paper
• Printed images or magazines for inspiration
• Optional: paint or markers
• Supplies Needed for Libraries with makerspaces:
• Laser cutter
• Unfinished wood
• Optional: paint or markers

40. Host a Pyrography
Event

41. Jewelry Making Event
Create artistic jewelry making programming

42. Host a Jewelry-Making Event
• Supplies Needed for Libraries without makerspaces:
• Toaster oven or regular oven
• Polymer clay
• Clay molds, candy molds
• Cabochons (glass “gems”)
• Jewelry eye pins
• Super glue
• Optional: resin and alcohol ink
• Supplies Needed for Libraries with makerspaces:
• 3D printer
• Laser cutter
• Unfinished wood
• Acrylic sheets

43. Crafts – Jewelry

44. Crafts – Jewelry

45. Host a Paper Crafts Event
Create paper-related programs

46. Host a Paper Crafts Event
• Supplies Needed:
• Paper folding boards
• Scrapbooking paper pads
• Scrapbooking adhesive roller
• Optional: tassels for bookmarks, washi tape

47. Crafts - Paper

48. Host a Sewing Event
Create textile programs

49. Host a Sewing Event
• Supplies Needed for Libraries without makerspaces:
• Needle and thread
• Felt sheets
• Free felties patterns
• Safety eyes
• Optional: superglue
• Supplies Needed for Libraries with makerspaces:
• Sewing machine(s)
• Sewing patterns for stuffed animals
• Remnant material

50. Host a Sewing
Event

51. Host an Artist Trading Cards Event
Create art-making programs

52. Host an Artist Trading Cards Event
• Supplies Needed:
• Artist Trading Cards sheets for various mediums
• Watercolor paints
• Acrylic paints
• Colored pencils
• Artistic markers
https://glittermeetsglue.com/artist-trading-cards-lesson

53. Host an Artist Trading
Cards Event
• https://www.tinteddy.com/introduction-to-
atcs-what-are-artist-trading-cards

54. Ellyssa Valenti Kroski
ekroski@gmail.com
http://amazon.com/author/ellyssa
Director of Innovation & Engagement, The New York Law Institute