Chapter 16 Mobile Makerspaces by Kim Martin, Mary Compton, and Ryan Hunt; Chapter 17 Sustainability: Keeping the Library Makerspace Alive by Sharona Ginsberg; Chapter 18 The Future of Library Makerspaces by Eric Johnson

As I wrapped up reading this book it occurred to me that I’ve begun our school library’s makerspace but there is so much more to add, to do! My brain keeps thinking of new things, new problems, new…one step at a time! Chapter 16 was interesting but I don’t plan to take our makerspace on the road. Instead, like a previous chapter mentioned, I do think that items should be circulated, checked out by students and staff. Some items have too much monetary value to be allowed to be checked out, but many items would lend themselves nicely for that. I’ve already begun checking out items used in the library so that I can start to tract usage and I’ve found it’s a tool for keeping track of small items that easily get lost.

Chapter 18 was very helpful in thinking about how to keep the makerspaces up and running. For instance, the duct tape makerspace is a popular area, but can be expensive to maintain. For full classes experimenting with that space we tried measured tape, or group projects. But, recently I had two 4th graders come to the library armed with the Duct Tape book I checked out to them. They were ready to create! Some of those projects use a lot of tape. I will need to figure out how to keep that in our budget. Our principal generously bought the tape for us this school year but next year I don’t know if that’s in her budget. I’m thinking I need to write a proposal before the budget is set for next year, just for such items that need to be replenished. The chapter suggested clubs where a small fee was charged, or, having students bring in some of the supplies. That might be fun for next year! It also suggest crowdfunding or grants. I am holding my breath that I do get the grant I applied for; but I have a GoFundMe project all ready to launch if it doesn’t. I also need to consider other possibilities!

Chapter 18 also mentioned how makerspaces can be used with other instructors. I know we have a Challenge Lab (Just like a Makerspace in my opinion, just named differently) that the GT teacher, along with a para, runs for students that are being rewarded by their teacher. (The reasons vary but it’s mainly a reward system) I like that idea but I’d rather find a way to use it for projects, to sold specific problems that maybe a whole class has. I’d like to see students create products or ideas that enhance their classwork or understanding of a concept. We have several different types of makerspaces set up, some are coding and STEM related. I’d like to add others that encourage new knowledge and construction, like the duct tape space we have. I have weaving just about ready (Ah, but need yarn funding!), would like to add a sewing machine, have origami (Paper is an expense!). I will need to see about securing volunteers to help in these areas.

In the last chapter the future of makerspaces was discussed. I can foresee that the spaces will change as we add/subtract spaces, but I would like to see them grow. I liked the idea of a survey for students so their desires can be incorporated as we grow. I end this book feeling like I’ve learned a lot but there is so much more to learn and explore! I can’t wait to have time this summer to explore more of the references that were given. So many!

Chapter 10: LEGOs in the Library by Megan Lotts

I was ready for this chapter! I’d love to plan a LEGO wall or table in our library. As I read through this chapter I was glad Ms. Lotts addressed the problem of things disappearing or walking away. I’ve already had this problem the first time I introduced littleBits during my 3rd,4th and 5th grade classes. The two motormates have not been located again since the 2nd day. The parts aren’t expensive but the shipping is!(the same price as the parts!) Anyway, I am grateful for this chapter. I may have to rethink where I would put this, and frankly, where the makerspaces are located.

I have a “u” shaped library as I’ve mentioned before. The circulation desk and my office are the middle. I cannot see the two ends of the U when I’m in the center. My plan was to locate the spaces in one of the tips of the U, and I’ve even considered checking into a plexiglass or some other type of see through walls. That’s still a consideration but I’ll have to check into the costs. If the spaces were more in the central area I’ll have to rethink where reading areas are located. I’m thinking now might be the right time for a survey!

Back to the chapter. Loved the short history of LEGOS; I truly had no idea they’d been around so long! The LEGO group was founded in Denmark in the 1930’s and the “Automatic Binding Brick with four and eight studs” (Lotts cited Tine Frogerg Mortensen’s “LEGO History Timeline” for this information) was created in 1949. I’m wondering why I didn’t play with them as a child. Maybe I did? I remember Lincoln Logs, but I’m guessing the red and black “bricks” we played with at my Grandparent’s house might actually have been LEGO’s?

Cleaning the LEGOS, I hadn’t thought about this at length as our students have only used them a few times. But, the flu is going around and this does need to be a consideration. I’ll have to work out a schedule and see that this happens!

I do love all the possibilities for free play, organized problem solving, community building, and creating excitement in the library. Again, my concerns seem to revolve around making too much noise for classrooms in my open library, containing the LEGOs, when they come out, and where they are housed and used. I’m sure this is a major concern for most libraries. As an interior designer my thoughts drift off to drawings, bubble designs, circulation patterns…A space plan for our library! Perhaps that needs to be my next endeavor, get the library drawn. If it’s all measured out and drawn perhaps I can work more on that when I’m not in full rotation as I am now. 7 classes a day doesn’t leave any time for drawing and dreaming! Maybe I could get my student’s ideas!
LEGOS