Intergenerational Makerspaces

 

Libraries are increasingly becoming multifunctional spaces, hosting workshops and embracing their role as community anchors. Some libraries include Makerspaces, which house technology that allows patrons to learn new skills and work on machines to show off their creativity.  

My local library, Dove library, has a very impressive Exploration HUB (and the only library Makerspace I have ever seen). They have classes on Silhouette Cameo 5 where one can make personalized T-shirts, paper crafts, and temporary tattoos. They also offer instruction on 3D design and printing, robotics, and coding.

Makerspaces are areas within libraries that are usually thought of as areas frequented by younger generations, but, as Ian Trawinski writes in his article “Intergenerationally Accessible Makerspaces: How Carroll County Public Library’s Exploration Commons Serves Our Local Senior Population,” Makerspaces can be geared toward all generations. In addition to the traditional Makerspace, which has laser engraver, 3D printer, router, 3D scanner, vinyl cutter, Cricut Maker, sewing machines and sergers, this library offers a professional teaching kitchen, classrooms, and meeting rooms with classes taught by highly experienced individuals, some of whom are retired volunteers who were experts in their fields including a seamstress and a medical engineer.  

Sample schedule

This type of space, which offers opportunities for young and old to teach and learn from each other, makes each age group feel more comfortable. I think it is a game-changer with respect to Makerspaces, to make them more accessible to senior citizens as well as the younger crowd.

Trawinski, Ian, et al. “Intergenerationally Accessible Makerspaces: How Carroll County Public Library’s Exploration Commons Serves Our Local Senior Population.” Information Technology & Libraries, vol. 44, no. 1, Mar. 2025, pp. 1–5. EBSCOhost, https://doi-org.palomar.idm.oclc.org/10.5860/ital.v44i1.17385.