What is Makerspace?
For many people, making something can be both a difficult and rewarding experience. While we might have the motivation and all the lofty ideas of what we would love to create, finding the time, space, and available tools can be a whole other barrier – unless you have access to a makerspace.
Physically speaking, a makerspace is a communal space that contains tools, equipment, and materials that allow people to come in with an idea and leave with a completed project. It is the physical representation of all things STE(A)M – Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
As part of the maker movement, Makerspaces emphasizes and encourages hands-on discovery, natural creativity, and innovation in ALL users, regardless of age, gender, or “talent.” You do not have to be an artist to utilize Makerspace. They are environments made specifically for exploring, challenging your imagination, finding inspiration, embracing mistakes, and creating new things (or even just enhancing what already exists).
Here at Saline County Library, Makerspace – in conjunction with our Library of Things – fully encompasses the idea that “We Are More.” We are “rewriting tradition” by providing our community with tools, materials, and invaluable educational experiences with which they normally would not interact. Whether crafting or tinkering, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination!
Check out our Makerspaces at our Benton and Bryant locations and our Craft Corner at our East End location. Our Craft Corner has very limited supplies. If you need something specific at our East End location, please call 501-315-3153 to see if it is available.
What is IN Makerspace?
Makerspace equipment available for patrons to use includes:
- general art supplies (pastels, colored pencils, crayons, markers, scissors, glue, hot glue guns, etc.)
- acrylic, tempera, and watercolor paint supplies
- 3D printer
- 3D printing pens
- computers with Adobe Creative Suite software
- photo printer
- green screen
- sewing machines
- die-cut machine + variety of dies
- fiber art supplies (knitting, crocheting, embroidery, macrame)
- table loom
- jewelry-making supplies
- leather-working supplies
- wood-burning supplies
- Glowforge laser engraver (Benton)
- Cricut machine (Benton)
- Silhouette machine
- heat press machine
- sublimation printer
- mug heat press
- polymer clay supplies (Benton)
- Perler bead supplies
- heat foiling pens + supplies (Benton)
- Shrinky Dink supplies (Benton)
- scrapbook, origami, and quilling paper supplies
- comb binding machine + book-binding supplies
- guillotine paper cutter
- light tables
- small thermal laminator
- grommet tools
- Dremel
- soldering tools
- heat guns
The Glowforge laser engraver and 3D printers can be used during Open Makerspace Hours but on a first-come, first-served basis. Projects must also be completed before the Makerspace closes.
When can I use the Makerspace?
Benton Open Hours
- Monday 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Wednesday 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Bryant Open Hours
- Thursdays: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Fridays 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
- 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Makerspace hours are subject to change for holidays or other circumstances, so please check our online calendar for our most up-to-date hours. If needed, any last-minute changes or closures will be posted on Saline County Library social media channels.
Suggesting Materials and Equipment
Our list of available tools and supplies is continually growing, and we’d love to know how we can better serve our community, as well! Have an interest in a specific craft or tool? You can submit suggestions for things you’d love to see in our Makerspace! Have tools or materials you’d like to donate? Shoot an email to LarauA@salinecountylibrary.org to arrange a donation!
Library of Things: Makerspace Kits
Special "kits" include all non-book, activity-type "things," such as board games, kitchen equipment, children’s learning kits, Makerspace crafts, and various equipment available for checkout. Just SOME of the Makerspace-specific kits include a sewing machine, foil art pens, rock tumbling, yarn crochet, leather working, wood burning, watercolor painting, polymer clay, brush calligraphy, and embroidery kits.
Check Out the Library of Things