Maker

Things to bear in mind when your library re-opens for programming: Opportunities for self-expression, games, and makerspaces are a draw. Anything school-like is not. 

As hospitals and healthcare workers face a shortage of personal protective equipment, makers across the country are trying to help.

The partnership benefits the New Jersey students, who are learning accessible design and to create with empathy and imagination, as well as the blind and visually-impaired kids, who not only get to play the games but have a voice in the process.

As part of SLJ’s Tech Trends series of webcasts in cooperation with ISTE, a panel of experts discussed makerspace learning and offered guidance on how to create and design an effective program. 

School librarians are recognized as tech leaders in their schools and communities—and say their tech skills boost job security, according to SLJ's 2019 technology survey.

In an award-winning internship at the Boulder Public Library, underserved youth work in the makerspace to design and create projects that can improve the community. This year, two teens built board games that are inclusive of players with visual disabilities.

Largely rooted in STEM, high school makerspace CTE programs are fueled by new job opportunities that students can dip into before college or career training.

These services meet the needs of children and families across the country, with programming ranging from robotics to summer meals to ever-popular reading challenges.

The organizer of  popular all-ages summer STEAM and maker programs shares expertise on planning, staff training, and activities.