Makerspaces in school libraries, the combination of creativity, hands on learning and literature. It’s a match made in heaven. Whether you want to reinvigorate your current makerspace or start one from scratch, it’s an easy thing to do no matter what sized space you have. Makerspaces in school libraries can be little nooks, trays of activities spread throughout the space, trolleys of activities brought out at lunchtime, or large dedicated areas. I’ve had all of the above in different libraries over my time, culminating in my current space, where the dedicated makerspace is just as big as my library space and they sit nicely alongside each other. So here are my tips on getting started, across any size or type of makerspace, so you can try one in your library no matter your resources, budget or space availability.
Small and portable makerspace
If you don’t have room for a dedicated makerspace in your library, why not try a portable option. This could be a makerspace on wheels, trays or boxes, easily brought out for classes or lunchtime and packed away when not in use.
Trolley
I love using trolleys in my makerspace, they are ideal for pulling together the resources needed for a specific activity and my makerspace assistant does the most incredible job of preparing these. To get started, you need to find a container, tray or trolley that suits you. You can purchase something, like a basic trolley with shelves, dedicated STEM trolley or craft bay, or why not see if there is something around the library, like an old book trolley, or school, an old art trolley, that you can repurpose. Having your makerspace on wheels can save you a lot of time moving and setting up your activities. Having a dedicated area for each resource on the trolley can make pack-up and resource management a lot easier.
Containers
A container system is another easy and portable way to create a makerspace. These containers can be set-up to support a range of activities – like a container full of a variety of stationery, craft supplies and basic tools, or they can be created for specific activities, like a container for knitting and crochet, with wool or yarn and crochet hooks and knitting needles. If you can, go for clear plastic containers with lids so you can stack your supplies and clearly see what’s inside. And of course a label makes things easy to locate and pack-up.
Trays
Trays can be a great way of spreading makerspace activities throughout the library space, using tables or even the tops of low shelves. Jigsaw trays, larger coffee trays found at a second-hand store or even an upside down pinboard or whiteboard can make great trays. The beauty of these is they contain the making to a space, can be used for a variety of makerspace activities (though if using the tops of shelves, avoid any messy activities), and can be moved or repurposed.
Dedicated Area
If you have the space, why not create a dedicated area for your makerspace. Having a permanent spot can save a lot of time moving items or packing things up and allow more access for students.
Bench
A bench space in your library area can be perfect for a makerspace. If it has cupboards, storage or a sink, then all the better, but even a basic bench can make the perfect spot for a sewing machine, trays of Lego or craft supplies.
Shelf
Do you have a spare shelf in your school library? Why not make it the base for your makerspace. Shelving units can be the perfect spot to store makerspace resources, ongoing student projects or boxes of borrowable kits. Adding books about related makerspace activities can be the perfect way to mix of making and literature.
Storage Unit
If you are lucky to have a storage unit, it can make for a perfect makerspace. We were fortunate enough to be able to design our own for the junior library. It houses games, lego and other construction materials as well as technology resources, stationery, basic craft supplies, and ipads – and my favourite feature, the secret door in the centre that allows access to power.
Large dedicated makerspace
If you have a spare classroom or an area of the school library that can be set aside for a makerspace you can create a large dedicated makerspace area. When you have lots of space, the possibilities are endless but there are some ways to maximise space and resources.
Continue to use trolleys and containers
Using lots of trolleys and carts can help create flexibility, moving items around the space to where they are needed. These can also be used to house special equipment, resources that are prepped for a particular activity or a class group’s ongoing project work. Containers or trays are a great to store materials or group similar materials. Make sure these are labeled so maintaining them and pack-up is easy.
Storage
Having a storage area for your makerspace, whether that’s shelving, cabinets or even a storeroom, can make accessing resources a lot easier. Consider how you’ll store materials, equipment and resources, and if students will have access to them.
Wet or messy areas
Having an area that is dedicated to messy activities like painting or using kinetic sand can restrict the mess to one area to save lots of cleaning up time. These areas can have wipeable tables or cover them in plastic sheeting or paper.
Dedicated areas
A large space allows you to dedicate certain activities to different areas. Consider what activities or equipment is most popular, so that students can see these and have unlimited access. What takes the most time to set up and pack up, so having this continually set up saves you time. Think about safety and if there will be an issue leaving items out.
Looking for more ideas? You’ll find lots of inspiration for makerspaces on my Makerspace Pinterest Board.
What sort of makerspace do you have in your school library or what would you like to create? The possibilities are endless.