Make it @ the LIbrary

A trend in public libraries and some school libraries is Makerspaces. A makerspace is a place with an atmosphere of problem-solving and possible collaborate learning. There are no "how-to-do-it" Manuals. Librarians just "make" it work based on such factors as space, budget, student/faculty interest, or simply trying something some new library programming. It's project based learning at its best in my opinion.

Source: http://bit.ly/1aRBQKd


While not every library has the space or resources to create Makerspaces, I think it's possible on any level. For example, a high school library in Mesquite, Tx has a crochet club and a movie club that meet once a month. The public library in Tyler, Tx will hold a Lego competition in November and invites kids and parents to participate.

A misconception is that libraries have to provide high end electronic equipment such as 3-D Printers or color printers, or soldering irons and drills or even poster board and markers. You could even have a makespace competition with marshmallows and toothpicks. And who could resist eating a few marshmallows in the process? http://bit.ly/1is7ySB or http://bit.ly/17qZGRV

SLJ announced on October 28, exciting news about a new website just for tinkers. See the entire article here: http://www.slj.com/2013/10/programs/make-it-your-library-launches-maker-space-project-website/

The best feature of this website is that it is completely searchable. makeitatyourlibrary.org The purpose is to "to help librarians realize maker space projects in their own communities at low cost."