In towns where the population counts in the thousands rather than millions, resources often seem limited—but small-town libraries across the the world are proving they can punch far above their weight when it comes to maker culture, STEAM learning, and hands-on innovation.
From 3D printers to sewing machines, community workshops to mobile maker carts, these libraries are bringing big maker dreams to life in local settings. In this comprehensive article, we examine the latest data, stories, challenges, and successes of small-town libraries as they foster creativity, skills, and community outcomes.
The concept of a makerspace is fairly simple: a space equipped with tools, technology, and materials where people can invent, build, tinker, prototype, and experiment.
Over the past decade, many public and academic libraries have embraced makerspaces as part of their mission to broaden access to learning and technology. In academic libraries alone, by 2019 about 110 libraries across 214 institutions had makerspaces.
But what about small-town and rural libraries? Can they also mount such programs? The answer increasingly is yes—though not without hurdles.
Makerspaces in libraries align with foundational library values: equal access, lifelong learning, community engagement, and public good. Studies show that library makerspaces often help reinforce these values in new ways.
When small-town libraries incorporate maker tools, they shift from being passive repositories of books to active learning ecosystems. Patrons may come for a book, stay to use a laser cutter, then return as a community collaborator.
Surveys from the Public Library Association reveal a significant disparity in STEAM offerings between urban and rural libraries. For example:
- 90% of city library systems offer free teen STEAM programs, but only 52% of small-town/rural libraries do so.
- 77% of city libraries have dedicated technology training labs or spaces, while just 28% of rural libraries do.
Thus, small-town libraries are uniquely positioned to help bridge the access gap, bringing equipment and programming that would otherwise be out of reach in their communities.
In qualitative studies, makerspaces in public libraries have been shown to “change people’s perceptions of libraries,” draw in new user groups, and encourage broader usage of library services. Patrons report increased pride in their local library.
See also The Role Of Libraries In Supporting STEAM Learning For Young Kids
For small towns, a library makerspace can become a local anchor, reinforcing civic identity and offering opportunities for cross-generational collaboration.
To bring maker dreams alive in a resource-constrained setting, small-town libraries often adopt strategic models, leveraging partnerships, phased growth, and mobile formats. Below is a breakdown of essential components and strategies.
| Component | Description | Considerations in Small Towns |
|---|---|---|
| Space & Infrastructure | A dedicated room, corner, cart, or mobile setup | Many small libraries lack large unused rooms, so they may repurpose meeting rooms or use rolling carts or kiosks. |
| Equipment & Tools | 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, hand tools, electronics kits | Start small (e.g., 3D printer, Arduino kits). Expand as usage and funding allow. |
| Staff & Training | Maker librarians or staff with technical skills | Often the biggest constraint—some small libraries partner with volunteers, local schools, or regional consortia. |
| Programming & Workshops | Regular classes, drop-in hours, special events | Engagement is key—public workshops, youth STEM camps, and maker challenges help sustain interest. |
| Partnerships & Funding | Grants, local business, educational institutions | Small towns often rely on grants or regional networks to offset costs. |
| Sustainability & Evaluation | Measuring impact, iterating, upkeep | Use evaluative frameworks to track community value, not just usage counts. |
This small rural library partnered with a local business (a copper mine) to launch a program called ScienceCity to foster STEM careers in the area. The mine recognized a lack of skilled local labor and funded monthly STEM sessions at the library. This effort continues 17 years later.
A 2024 project documented the experience of deploying temporary maker vans or pop-up makerspaces to 35 rural libraries as a stepping stone toward permanent facilities.
This “phased approach” lets a library test interest levels before investing in fixed infrastructure.
Though not extremely small, Tolland is a modest-size community. The library expanded into a makerspace with 3D printers, virtual reality stations, and a small business resources center. The facility supports 14,800+ residents and has logged thousands of visits.
See also Adapting Little Makers For Rural And Urban Library Settings
In 2023, this library added a makerspace as part of reimagining spaces, converting former bookshop or gift shop areas.
While not purely rural, this library is building the region’s largest public crafting space. The East Bank Regional Library branch in Metairie will host quilting machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, and more. Seven new staff are being hired to manage it.
This example shows how ambitious maker investments can scale even from smaller libraries.
While rigorous longitudinal data remain limited, recent studies shed light on the organizational and community effects of library makerspaces.
- A focus group study of three public libraries in Illinois (42 total participants) found that makerspaces contribute to organizational value by upholding core library values, shifting perceptions of libraries, and attracting new users.
- The Measuring the Impact and Value of Makerspaces project (ongoing since 2020) has been funded $100,000 to create evaluation tools that capture outcomes such as creative thinking, complex problem solving, and community building.
- A 2023 article on Serious and Casual Leisure in Public Library Makerspaces highlights how maker spaces encourage both structured and freeform making, which is attractive to a wide audience.
These data suggest that even small usage in a maker lab can yield outsized social, educational, and organizational returns.
Solution: Seek grants (government, philanthropic), partner with local businesses or school districts, roll out mobile or starter kits first, crowdsource from community makers.
Solution: Train existing staff incrementally, recruit volunteers or local makers, partner with regional maker networks or universities, offer train-the-trainer modules.
Solution: Use mobile carts, rolling cabinets, shared rooms, or convert underutilized areas. Some libraries adopt mobile maker carts that go from branch to branch.
Solution: Regular programming, maker challenges, showcases, open houses, outreach to schools. Build a “maker culture” so people anticipate and support new initiatives.
See also Engaging Parents in Library-Based Maker Programs
Solution: Use frameworks that capture qualitative and quantitative outcomes (learning growth, user satisfaction, repeat visits), not just number of prints or sign-ups.
- Start Small, Scale Gradually
Begin with low-cost items (e.g. basic electronics kits, a 3D printer, craft tools), then expand as usage grows. - Pilot with Mobile Maker Carts
Deploy portable maker kits to test demand before committing to fixed infrastructure. - Engage Local Stakeholders
Get buy-in from local schools, makers, businesses, and government. Their support can help with staffing, funding, or mentorship. - Offer Diverse Programming
Combine structured workshops (e.g. Arduino, laser cutting) with drop-in open maker hours so different audiences feel welcome. - Promote a Maker Culture
Showcase user projects, hold maker fairs, invite community to suggest ideas, and promote shared ownership. - Measure and Iterate
Use feedback, surveys, and simple metrics to track success, reshape offerings, and justify continued investment.
The presence of a vibrant makerspace in a small-town library often delivers benefits beyond the literal making of objects:
- Skill Development — Encourages STEM skills, digital literacy, craftsmanship.
- Entrepreneurship — Local residents may prototype products or side businesses.
- Social Cohesion — Multi-generational connections, mentorship, and collaboration.
- Community Visibility — Attracts visitors and raises civic pride.
- Enhanced Library Usage — Non-traditional users come in for maker spaces, and discover other library offerings.
In many small towns, the library becomes a “third space”—not home, not work, but a place where creativity, connection, and collaboration flourish.
Small-town libraries are proving that maker dreams are anything but out of reach. Through judicious planning, collaborative partnerships, and phased growth, even modest libraries can host makerspaces that ignite creativity, nurture skills, and strengthen community fabric.
Data and case studies confirm that libraries that take a leap into maker programming often experience revitalized usage, broadened user bases, and renewed relevance. In an era defined by digital access, small libraries offering hands-on making can become anchors of innovation, equity, and opportunity in local communities.
By embracing maker culture, adapting to local conditions, and remaining responsive to community needs, small-town libraries can transform limited space and resources into fertile grounds for big dreams to take shape.
Yes. While scale and budget must be considered, many small towns start with portable or shared maker kits, partner with regional networks, and scale up when usage and community interest justify permanent infrastructure.
Metrics include number of unique users, repeat visits, workshop attendance, user satisfaction, project showcases submitted, partnerships formed, and qualitative stories of impact or skill growth.
Start with versatile, lower-cost tools such as 3D printers, microcontroller kits (Arduino/Raspberry Pi), craft tools, simple hand tools, basic electronics kits or sewing machines. As demand grows, expand to higher-end tools like laser cutters or CNC machines.
