In recent years, library makerspaces have emerged as creative hubs where patrons explore, tinker, invent, and collaborate using tools and materials that might be inaccessible elsewhere.
A “Little Makers Program” is simply a scaled, low-cost, manageable version of a makerspace, tailored for smaller budgets, staff capacity, and community scale.
Even small libraries with limited resources can launch a makers program that fosters STEAM learning, digital literacy, and community engagement.
This article provides a detailed, up-to-date roadmap for how any library — large or small — can start a Little Makers Program, including planning, funding, staffing, equipment, policies, programming, and growth strategies.
We’ll also present a comparative table of low-, mid-, and high-tier maker resource plans, offer best practices, and point out pitfalls to avoid.
Before jumping into logistics, it’s worth laying out the rationale and benefits of a makers program:
- Access & equity: Many patrons cannot afford access to expensive tools (3D printers, electronics kits, maker tools). A makers program allows the library to bridge that gap.
- Library relevance: It transforms the library from a passive “content provider” to a creative center, aligning with modern roles of librarianship.
- STEAM & 21st-century skills: Makerspaces foster creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving.
- Community engagement: A maker program draws new users, strengthens relationships with schools, local businesses, and boosts library visibility.
- Sustainability and growth: Starting small helps test community interest before major investments.
Public libraries adopting maker services often see increased foot traffic, program participation, and cross-pollination with reading, technology, and education initiatives.
According to library theory and practice, makerspaces need not be high-tech from day one — they can start with craft, circuits, basic electronics, paper prototyping, simple robotics, and recycled materials, gradually growing as demand and support increase.
Before acquiring tools, it’s vital to plan intentionally. Here’s how:
Ask: What do you want your makers program to achieve? Possibilities:
- Engage youth and teens in STEM
- Provide digital fabrication access (3D printing, laser cutting)
- Support local artisans or micro-businesses
- Offer intergenerational learning
Document your mission and objectives in a working plan.
Survey patrons, staff, teachers, library users: What kind of making interests them? Robotics? Crafts? Coding?
Analyze library space, staffing, budget, and existing partnerships.
See also The Role Of Libraries In Supporting STEAM Learning For Young Kids
Include library staff, interested community members, tech-savvy patrons, school or maker community partners. Their input can guide decisions and build support.
Begin with a “pilot” or “maker cart,” then expand into fixed space. Don’t overcommit before demand is proven.
Include startup costs (tools, furniture), ongoing consumables, maintenance, staff training, and contingency. Identify funding sources (grants, donors, local businesses, Friends of the Library).
Designing maker space doesn’t always require a dedicated room. Yet good infrastructure improves usability and safety.
Select a site that is visible to users (near children or teen areas), accessible and welcoming. Libraries sometimes repurpose underutilized space, transform mobile carts, or use multipurpose rooms.
Maker tools often require power, charging stations, USB ports, and stable electrical circuits. Plan for wiring, cable management, surge protection, and safety.
Use modular, mobile, height-adjustable, and collapsible furniture so the space can pivot between making and other library functions.
Provide labeled bins, drawers, pegboards, shelves, tool cabinets, and secure storage for in-process projects. A tidy layout helps users find and return tools responsibly.
Isolate messy projects (gluing, painting, soldering) from clean electronic or computer areas to control odors, dust, and safety risks.
If working with tools like soldering irons, lasers, or woodworking, ensure proper ventilation, fume extraction, and safety protocols.
Choosing tools is one of the critical steps. Here’s a tiered approach to help structure your inventory:
| Tier | Focus | Example Tools & Kits | User Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-Tech / Starter | Basic making, crafts, prototyping | Scissors, glue guns, cardboard, maker kits (Makey Makey, Snap Circuits), craft supplies, recycled electronics, Arduino starter kits | Beginner / low barrier |
| Mid-Tech | Digital fabrication & electronics | 3D printer(s), laser cutter (small scale), CNC router, microcontroller boards, Raspberry Pi, robotics kits | Intermediate users, some staff support |
| High-Tech / Full Makerspace | Advanced fabrication & professional-grade tools | Soldering stations, VR/AR equipment, large-format laser cutter, CNC machines, woodworking tools, metalworking, advanced electronics | Advanced users, staff supervision |
Begin with a starter kit, then add incremental tools as demand and funding allow.
See also What We’ve Learned From a Decade of Library Maker Programs
When selecting equipment, prefer user-friendly, safe, repairable, and well-supported brands. Consider warranty, spare parts availability, and community adoption.
Having the right policies in place ensures smooth operations, liability protection, and clarity for users.
- Define who can use the maker space (age limits, membership, training requirement)
- Establish reservations, check-in / check-out of tools
- Create user agreements including responsibility for damage, safety compliance, and intellectual property terms
- Require users to undertake orientation or training before using certain tools
- Post visible safety guidelines, signage, and instructions
- Use waivers where appropriate
- Enforce first-come-first-served, supervision limits, no food or drinks near tools
- Set schedules for routine cleaning, calibration, and repairs
- Track tool usage and maintenance logs
- Plan for consumables (filament, bits, batteries, wiring) replenishment
- Define rules for using others’ work, attribution, licensing, open source vs proprietary
- Encourage users to document and share their projects
Even a “little makers” program needs committed staff or volunteers.
- Maker facilitator / technician: assists users, maintains equipment, schedules usage
- Library staff champions: librarians or youth services staff who coordinate programming
- Volunteers / mentors: community makers, teachers, students who help run workshops
- Invest in staff training on tool usage, troubleshooting, basic repairs
- Encourage staff to make themselves, i.e. experiment and gain confidence
- Host “train-the-trainer” or peer workshops
- Partner with local schools, makerspaces, universities, and tech businesses
- Invite guest instructors or maker community events
- Share resources and knowledge with peer libraries
A makers program lives through compelling programming.
- Open maker hours: drop-in times where patrons explore freely
- Workshops / mini classes: teach specific skills (3D design, robotics, electronics)
- Design challenges / hackathons / maker fairs: themed events to showcase creativity
- Themed maker kits: kits patrons can borrow (e.g. Arduino kits, craft boxes)
- After-school / summer maker clubs
- Cross-department collaboration: link making with reading, STEM, arts, literacy
See also How Small-Town Libraries Bring Big Maker Dreams to Life
- Promote via social media, newsletters, school outreach, newsletters
- Display works-in-progress publicly to inspire others
- Host open houses or “Maker Showcases”
- Survey users for desired tools or improvements
- Rotate offerings seasonally
- Recognize users, display their projects, create community pride
Here’s a sample planning table showing scaled resource plans:
| Aspect | Low-Cost Launch | Moderate Program | Advanced Scale-Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Space | Corner table or maker cart | Dedicated corner room | Full makerspace room |
| Tools | Craft supplies, low-tech kits | 3D printer, Arduino kits, laser cutter | Multiple 3D printers, CNC, VR, electronics lab |
| Staffing | Part-time librarian | Maker facilitator + staff | Full-time maker staff |
| Programming | Open hours, mini workshops | Themed challenges & club | Hackathons, community events |
| Budget | $1,000–5,000 | $10,000–30,000 | $50,000+ with external funding |
| Policies | Basic user agreement | Tool-specific training | Advanced safety protocols, reservations |
Start at the low-cost launch level and scale based on demand and resources.
- Start with low-tech & low-risk tools to build confidence and interest
- Iterate — evolve your offerings based on user feedback
- Document everything — user manuals, project instructions, success stories
- Use open-source and shared resources — designs, software, maker communities
- Promote user ownership — allow patrons to suggest projects or lead workshops
- Measure success — track attendance, projects completed, user feedback
- Plan for sustainability — maintenance, staff time, consumables
- Network — join library maker consortia, Maker Ed, or peer library groups
| Challenge | Strategy to Overcome |
|---|---|
| Budget constraints | Start small, seek grants, local donors, crowdsource, donations of used gear |
| Staff resistance or lack of confidence | Encourage hands-on training, small pilot projects, staff maker days |
| Tool maintenance & repairs | Buy reliable brands, keep spare parts, partner with local tech repairers |
| User safety / liability | Enforce training, supervision, clear rules, orientation sessions |
| Balancing noise/mess in library | Use mobile carts, partitioning, schedule maker hours when noise is less disruptive |
| Equity & access | Provide scheduling, reserved slots for underserved patrons, time limits |
To evaluate success, track:
- Number of unique users
- Attendance at maker events/workshops
- Projects completed / checkouts of maker kits
- Patron feedback & satisfaction surveys
- Growth in library visits or cross-use of services
- Media coverage, school partnerships formed
- Return visits or retention rate
Use these metrics to advocate for sustained funding or expansion.
Launching a Little Makers Program at your library is entirely feasible — even with modest resources.
With thoughtful planning, community involvement, gradual scaling, and flexible policies, your library can become a creative hub that fosters innovation, learning, and connection.
Start with low-tech tools, experiment with simple workshops, document successes, and grow organically. Over time, the space can mature into a full makerspace if demand and funding allow.
The real magic happens when patrons — children, teens, adults alike — see the library as not just a place of reading, but of making, experimenting, and bringing ideas to life.
With persistence, collaboration, and a spirit of exploration, your library’s maker journey can empower your community in meaningful ways.
You don’t need a huge room — even a table, corner, or mobile cart can suffice initially. Flexibility and visibility matter more than size.
Begin with low-tech materials (cardboard, paper, glue, kits), seek grants, apply for small maker-focused funding, get donations of used equipment, or partner with schools or local makers.
Implement mandatory orientations, tool-specific training, safety protocols, user agreements or waivers, supervision during high-risk activities, and maintenance checks.
