Libraries have evolved beyond being book guardians. They now serve as dynamic hubs for learning, creativity, and exploration. To fully engage patrons, libraries must address various literacies, including digital, media, information, and even social-emotional skills. A well-designed library makerspace can play a pivotal role in achieving these goals.

Identifying Areas of Need and Interest on Your Campus

Before setting up your makerspace, consider the unique needs and interests of your community. Conduct surveys, focus groups, or informal conversations to gather insights. In my experience, students are extremely happy to offer their opinion on what they are interested in. Here are some areas to explore:

  • Curriculum Alignment: Collaborate with educators to find gaps in the curriculum. Look for opportunities to enhance learning through hands-on experiences.
  • Student Interests: What topics or activities excite your students? Consider their passions, hobbies, and potential career paths.
  • Community Engagement: Engage parents, local businesses, and community members. Their input can guide your makerspace offerings. You might even get volunteers to come run workshops or contribute in other ways your makerspace.

Where to Begin

If you just type “makerspace activities” into Google, the results are going to be overwhelming. Don’t do that to yourself. I would first choose categories from your needs assessment to focus on. I like to use the STEAM acronym (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math), and then throw in some Social/Emotional learning activities as well. Some activities you will find can stay out year-round, and students will still love them, while others need to be rotated out to renew student interest. Since I am a librarian, I will also highlight books that coordinate with the makerspace stations to make a literacy connection to the activity that caught their interest.

Makerspace

Tried and True Activities

Here are some activities that I have found to work well:

  • Science: Set up a mini lab with microscopes, chemistry kits, and simple experiments. Ask science teachers on your campus what students have enjoyed, and if there are easy, safe extensions you can offer.
  • Technology: Offer coding workshops, robotics challenges, and 3D printing. Code.org is a great resource, as well as setting up obstacle courses for robots. STEM Supplies have several options in this area to help you. If technology is intimidating to you and you aren’t ready to offer instruction, you can always set up a demo lab where students can see the tech in action. You will also find that you have students who are experts and will take over the instruction if you let them.
  • Engineering: Create a tinkering corner with building materials, circuits, and design challenges. Building bricks and magnetic blocks are a staple for me. They are always out, and those stations are always full.
  • Art: Provide art supplies, a dedicated drawing area, and even a green screen for digital art.
  • Math: Math puzzles, geometric constructions, and math-related games can intrigue curious minds.
  • Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): I host a Wellness Wednesday before school where we talk about ways to manage our stress and how to decompress. Sometimes we do a yoga practice or guided meditation. Your counselors will be a great resource on activities to include.

Students using robot

Leveling Up Your Makerspace

If you are comfortable with the basics of makerspaces and are looking to level up your offerings, think about having a monthly theme that all your activities revolve around. Students will be excited to see what the new theme will be, and it will ensure that you are switching out stations with enough regularity to keep them fresh and interesting. Think coming up with that many activities is difficult? Embrace generative AI programs like Copilot or Chat GPT to brainstorm the ideas for you.

A well-curated makerspace transforms libraries into vibrant centers of innovation. By providing diverse learning opportunities, we can empower students to become lifelong learners, problem solvers, and creators. Start your makerspace journey today!