Kellie Glover in Lexington, AL, wanted to create a makerspace in her library. With her grant in the fall, the library has introduced hands-on STEM resources, including a Raspberry Pi kit, a Sphero Bolt+, a 3D printer, and other interactive tools. As word spreads, parents and children have shown excitement for these new opportunities, with positive feedback pouring in from the community.
The idea for the makerspace came from conversations with local kids and parents. Many students were interested in STEM activities, but access to technology was limited. The local school had a 3D printer, but with hundreds of students sharing it, most kids only got one turn per year. Recognizing the need for more opportunities, the library set out to create a space where kids could tinker, explore, and learn—outside of the classroom and at their own pace.
From the start, the focus was on picking the right equipment. The FlashForge 3D printer was chosen for its ease of use, the Sphero Bolt+ for its fun and interactive coding experience (even for younger kids), and the Raspberry Pi for more advanced projects. A rolling cart keeps everything organized—fittingly, in the local school’s colors, purple and white.
Like any new program, there were a few bumps along the way with the makerspace. Winter weather and flu season slowed down attendance, but that didn’t stop the momentum. A recent makeup event featured a solar robot-building activity, kids excitedly watching the 3D printer in action, and taking turns programming the Sphero. The Sphero Bolt+—now affectionately called “Bolty”—has become the star of the show. Kids as young as five regularly ask for Bolty time, and the library has started allowing short one-on-one coding sessions as a reward for extra time spent at the library.
To get the word out, the library has been using a mix of social media and newspaper articles. It helps that the local paper’s editor is also a library board member! Parents have been thrilled with the new offerings, and some have even purchased similar carts for their own homes to organize their supplies.
Looking ahead, the library has big plans for expanding the makerspace. Recruiting high school volunteers to mentor younger kids is a top priority, as is launching a Girls Who Code club or a similar group. More equipment is also on the wishlist, including a Cricut machine, a button maker, and—eventually—an iMac so kids can experiment with creative software like GarageBand. Fundraising is already underway, with the Friends of the Library organizing a food sale in partnership with a local café.
In the meantime, the makerspace continues to grow. Events are held at least twice a month, each highlighting a different piece of equipment. Open 3D printing sessions are planned for the spring, allowing kids to print their own designs with shorter time limits at first, and more advanced workshops coming later. The goal? To make sure every child who wants to learn has the opportunity to do so.
For anyone thinking about starting a makerspace, Kellie’s advice is simple: “Definitely speak to your audience to identify their wants and needs. I’m so glad to have spoken with the first children and parents who identified the community’s need for more access to technology for younger children. “ And when it comes to buying equipment, don’t just look at price—strong customer support is key. The right tools, combined with enthusiasm and a little creativity, can open up a world of possibilities for kids who might not otherwise have access to this kind of technology.
This small-town library is proving that you don’t need much to inspire the next generation of innovators. With a little determination (and a lot of Bolty time), anything is possible.
