Making Space for Creativity: Clark County Public Library’s Makerspace Journey

Each month, our Member Highlights features the outstanding work and initiatives of OhioNet member libraries across the state.

Discover how Clark County Public Library transformed a mobile makerspace into a permanent hub for creativity and innovation. In this Q&A, Kylee Ervin, Interim Manager at the Park Branch of CCPL, and Drew Frost, Makerspace Specialist, share their journey, from initial inspiration to the challenges and successes of creating a dedicated makerspace for their community.

Q: What was the impetus for creating a mobile makerspace?

A: The makerspace started as the brainchild of our I.T. department. They did a lot of the research and leg work, getting machines and deciding how they wanted to present it to the community. The initial goal was to get the information out to the public, and so they decided to make it mobile, visiting the other branches for a few weeks. The Park Branch was its final stop, and while it was here, we loved working the machines and aiding the public in using them.

Our library system has been striving to provide resources to the community as evidenced by circulating mobile hotspots, creating a Whisper Room for audio recording, and even providing access to Discovery Passes for museums and local activities. The makerspace has been another version of that.

Q: How did it function?

A: When the I.T. Department purchased the machines, they also purchased heavy-duty carts for transportation. The materials were kept on the lower shelves of the carts to make transferring them easy. These materials allowed patrons to experiment with different machines and projects. Any excess supplies that took up a lot of space, like wood, were kept in the I.T. Department.

They also handled maintenance, troubleshooting, and cleaning of the machines. At each branch, they trained staff members to use the equipment, allowing the branch to set walk-in hours that suited their needs.

Q: How was it received by patrons?

A: Each branch saw interest in different machines. The Glowforge was immediately popular at the Park Branch. We put one of our Makerbots on the front desk counter so patrons could see it working, which made our queue especially popular. At other branches, the sublimation printer and mug press saw a lot of use.

Overall, the reception was positive, filled with excitement and joy at the projects patrons were able to complete. We’ve seen paintings and old recipe cards etched into wood with the Glowforge. Kids have drawn and created their own buttons. People have made decals for their cars and campers using the Cricut. And the Makerbot has seen a lot of love making fidget toys, machine parts, and D&D terrain.

Q: What were the advantages and disadvantages of having a mobile makerspace?

A: The biggest advantage was that each branch had an opportunity to use the equipment and see what was possible. Many in the library system wanted to use the makerspace equipment, and having it nearby made it more accessible when they needed it.

The disadvantages were mainly in maintenance of the space. Without a dedicated makerspace department, it was difficult to keep up with consistent maintenance and cleaning. There was also no consistency in hours or skill level, since the branches managed the space around their programming schedules.

Q: What led to the decision to make it permanent? How has that changed the way the makerspace works?

A: The Park Branch was the last to host the mobile makerspace, and the I.T. department wasn’t sure where it could go next. It was becoming more work than they could manage alongside their regular responsibilities, so we offered to house it permanently at Park. The meeting room was redesigned to serve as both a programming space and a makerspace. Our goals are to create more consistent hours and establish policies to make the space easier for patrons to use.

We love hearing from our members! Share news or highlight a recent project from your library in OhioNet’s monthly member highlights email – contact communications manager Jillian Tuttle at [email protected] for more information.

Additional Member Updates –

• Join us in extending a warm welcome to a new OhioNet member: Garnet A. Wilson Public Library!
• Don’t forget — ILEAD Ohio is accepting applications through February 17, 2025. Learn more about this 9-month, transformative leadership program and apply here.
• The “Together We Thrive” report is now available — this report from the 2024 ADEI Assessment highlights recommendations for empowering BIPOC librarians, fostering inclusive leadership, and building diverse library communities in which everyone can flourish. Read the full report here.
• Applications for the 2025 Northern Ohio Technical Services Librarians (NOTSL) Scholarships are now being accepted. The purpose of NOTSL scholarships is to support educational activities in the area of library technical services for applicants at any point in their careers and/or degree programs. Learn more and apply here before February 14, 2025.
• Interested in diving deep about makerspaces for your library? Keep an eye out for more information on an in-person makerspace summit coming this spring!