Super Happy Maker Fun Hour from State Library of Colorado

I have just been watching the first Super Happy Maker Fun Hour from the State Library of Colorado.  It is interesting to see different ways people do G+ hangouts, and the content is great.  Watch out for the next one in February.  For those in NSW, they start at 6.00am (at least they do with current time zone things).

Great work by the State Library of Colorado, and they have other very useful resources for makerspaces too.

The resources and other information from today are here, and you can watch the video (below).

My review of Makerspaces in libraries by Theresa Willingham and @jtdeboer

Makerspaces in libraries by Theresa Willingham
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book provides a solid and helpful introduction to a particular interpretation of makerspaces in libraries. It has very good references to the information talked about so that it would be very easy to seek further information.

There are useful checklists of things to consider when planning makerspaces (and often when planning anything) in a library. The importance of bringing staff with you on the ideas are also addressed. The case studies from the USA, Europe and UK provide helpful perspectives, as well as more resources to explore via the links about them. The case studies highlight different approached to running library makerspaces, including whether volunteers or staff are used. There are also some detailed program examples so you could work your way through these in your library or community.

Many libraries have implemented much more diverse makerspaces, and this book does not focus on them, or include them. It also seems to dwell on a perceived dichotomy between makerspaces/fab labs and everything else libraries do, whereas I see them more as a continuum. That said, it is a very useful introduction to library makerspaces, and would help people start to think through strategies for their library.

It is a tough area to be writing in as more examples and interpretations are available all the time. Specific technology is mentioned, so read this book soon. I is a fast read. The authors did a good job with these challenges.

On the book the authors are both listed, so I would like to acknowledge the work of Theresa Willingham and Jeroen de Boer as they are both not mentioned on Goodreads.

View all my reviews

Public libraries and 3D printers

3D printers are becoming more common in public libraries, but different approaches are taken as to accessing them, or even seeing them in operation.

Arapahoe District Libraries encourages their community to request 3D prints.  The printing is free.  The aim is for the community to explore and discover possibilities.  Arapahoe District Libraries demonstrate 3D printing simply by having the printers working, all the time. This is impressive. Each of their libraries I walked in to (see below) I saw 3D printing.  It was a normal feature in the library, just as opacs, picture books, and information assistance.  The sign you can see on the tech bar below shows when demonstrations will be happening in a range of tech options at the library.  It was every day, at each of the libraries below, showing what was possible, and encouraging the community to think about even more.

May Library, Arapahoe District Libraries


Sheridan Library, Arapahoe District Libraries


Koelbel Library, Arapahoe District Libraries


Southglenn Library, Arapahoe District Libraries


Castlewood Library, Arapahoe District Libraries


Smokey Hills Library, Arapahoe District Libraries


The above libraries are all part of the Arapahoe Library District, and they are impressive.

Other libraries take a different approach.

Library 21C has a maker space (see below image) , which includes a 3D printer.  They have a floor of making including a large auditorium which is also a high quality recording space.  This is an amazing library, which will have a separate post later on with more information.

Burton Barr, the central Phoenix Public Library has refurbished a large space for a range of making, it is staffed, with long hours.  This space includes 3D printers (see below). This will also have a separate blog post. This was a very impressive space, and impressive in terms of staffing too.

Anthink Brighton (below) as The studio with a range of maker tools including sewing machines and 3D printing. This is not an open space, but is available for making one and a half hours a week.  For the rest of the time the space is used for a range of other purposes.  This seemed short access to these tools, but local decisions had to be made about staffing.


Hatch from Watertown Public Library is in the mall rather than the library, and it also has a 3D printer.

Sydney mini maker faire 2015

This was the second year I have been to this.  It was great.  I was sorry to not see the Embroidery Guild represented this year, but there were will many amazing things to look at at play with.  I also had some people very keen to explain what maker spaces were to me.  You can read about the different people/organisations and products here.

Some of the interesting things were:

the robotic pacman was lovely, and popular,


a laptop with a default 3D scanning webcam (this was wonderful)
a 3D scanner the size of a can of soft drink

scale armour - which rippled


a sand pit (yes, with real sand) where when you change the topography, the colours mapping the topography adjust to the new layout (this was great)



the origami Yoda was only some of the origami on display - and lots of people were creating with origami


You can see all my photographs from it here 

Artisans Asylum, MA

This is a maker space, which also seems to be for small business units as well.


You can see more photographs here.

Burton Barr Central Library

This library has a new makerspace.


There is also a space for business entrepreneurs


You can see more photographs of the library here.

Southglenn Library

This library has a studio, and you can also see the 3D printer (printing requests from the public - this is a free service).

You can also borrow an impressive range of technology
You can see more photographs here.

Castlewood Library

This library has a makerspace, which is staffed for about 4 hours a day.


with a lovely range of tools You can see more photographs here.

Smoky Hill Library

The library has a sound proof studio



and drop in tech demos You can see more photographs here.

Anythink Brighton

This has a studio space





There is a lovely outdoor space which is well used
You can see more photographs here.

Anythink Huron Street

These stylised trees in the library are very beautiful.


The maker space in the library is open plan, as this green wall shows
You can see more photographs here.

Douglas County Libraries in Parker

This library has a media lab

Part of the purpose of this is for ebook creation. You can see more photographs here.

Hatch, by Watertown Free Public Library

Hatch is in a mall, near an innovation space. The day I visited it, I could not photograph it all as there was a coding class held out the back.
It was promoted through the mall You can see more photographs here.