Makerspaces: Are they still relevant in 2025?

by Katherine McDonald

image from: https://www.epl.ca/makerspace/

So, are they? I would argue, yes, there is still relevance in 2025. While workshops and technology have evolved over the years the importance and interest is still there. Public libraries began implementing makerspaces in the mid to latter end of the 2000s. Today, the meaning of the makerspace is significant and personal. Focused on the positive impact with inclusion, community and skill share. 

In the article "The Community Impact of Maker spaces" author Todd Miller, et al, shares with us that "crafters and DIY-ers may be one of the core group of users, but new users have been emerging, including people who utilize these spaces for entrepreneurial, economic, and educational purposes." What was once just a place to come and make stuff, the transformation of makerspaces to being community learning hubs is what interests public library users today, while also being able to make stuff. 

Current makerspace offerings and equipment can include: 3D printing, vinyl and laser cutters, sewing machines, embroidery, digital production studios equipment for creating podcasts or films, and fix-it clinics for repair and reuse.

Some really exciting examples of community building programs running in public libraries makerspaces across the country in 2025 are:

• Niles-Maine District Library (NMDL), library patrons use the space for entrepreneurial and economic development by being able to choose from a several ways to learn audio recording skills.
• Indian Trails Public Library (ITPL), their makerspace, known as the "Launch Pad", facilitates solutions to problems that community members have identified. An example is the use of the 3D printer to create keyguards for speech and language pathologists to use with students’ iPads. 
• Palatine Public Library District (PPLD), has workshops for couples who are planning weddings to create memories with unique and personalized wedding decorations and elements. 
• (PPLD) in celebration of Black History Month, created a Freedom Quilt. Which included a series of programs that detailed the history of the coded blocks while also educating participants about the steps of making a quilt. (Miller, et al, 2025)

Have you attended a meaningful workshop at your local public library? What did you learn and did you find community? What skills are you wanting to try out with provided equipment and materials? Recently, a friend and colleague used their makerspace to create small germinating pods and planters for an indoor home garden. She is hoping to grow her own food as we continue to experience nationwide shortages and other food disparities. Oh, and she also made a really cool lamp! I want to make a lamp! 

Did you know San Diego Public Library (SDPL) has a Youtube channel? Well click on the link below to access several "How to" videos from their makerspaces and IDEA Labs. www.youtube.com/@sdpubliclibrary

Sources cited:

Miller, et al. (2025) The community impact of makerspaces. Illinois Library Association. Vol.XLIII, Issue 1. www.ila.org/publications/ila-reporter/article/215/the-community-impact-of-makerspaces#:~:text=Makerspaces%20give%20library%20users%20the,because%20of%20these%20collaborative%20spaces.