Public libraries are becoming more than just spaces for books in some Orange County cities.
They have become spaces to get creative.
Residents can increasingly access creative equipment – such as 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and craft materials – for free through makerspaces inside public libraries.
“People think of them just as libraries, but these days, libraries are taking on other kinds of community functions, they are becoming more than just places for books,” said Steve Alessi, who uses the makerspace at the Huntington Beach Central Library a few times per week.
Makerspaces are collaborative work spaces in which library cardholders can use machines, materials and equipment for creative projects, or work on a craft.
“Library makerspaces play an important role to expand access to creative equipment for the entire community, providing access to low income groups, children, students and more,” said Yesenia Baltierra, Assistant Library Director at the Placentia Library District.
“Makerspaces can encourage someone who is curious about trying a new piece of technology, allowing them to gain new skills and experiences. By making equipment available with no fees, this allows for everyone with a library card to gain access.”
Inland, the Placentia Library’s Hangar DIY Lab provides library cardholders with access to crafts, an embroidery machine, a jewelry-making station, a sewing machine and a cutting machine.
Some patrons feel that makerspaces are a way to encourage youth interest in the library.
“Makerspaces are important for kids her age, to be creative outside of the house or with your friends,” said Lana Petersen, an Orange resident who visited the Hangar DIY Lab with her daughter Keira. “It’s a good place to entice her to come to the library and encourage a love of reading.”
Peterson stated that her home library system, the Orange Public Library, has a “good kid’s library” but that it does not have a makerspace. The Orange Public Library and other branches have programming that offers makerspace-like activities for children.
Although the branches within the county library system do not have a dedicated makerspace, several branches have sewing machines, a Library of Things or programming that offers similar creative activities.The Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library hosts an event called CreateSpace, hosted every second Thursday of the month.
Other parents feel that makerspaces can be a social outlet for children.
“Spaces like this are important for kids because they get to practice socializing and interacting,” said Chrissy Willis, a Fullerton resident who visited the Hanger with her 4-year-old daughter Sadie. “The littlest kids who aren’t in school yet get a chance to meet new kiddos.”
“The makerspace also provides an air conditioned space for people who don’t have that at home,” she said.
The Hangar opened after the library was renovated in September 2019.
“As part of a year-long renovation, the library reconfigured and modernized spaces, adding this makerspace in order to promote the library’s goals of expanding access to creative arts and technology,” said Baltierra.
The space cost the library $4,000 this year for equipment, maintenance, supplies, staff time and other materials.
The Hangar is open weekly from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 pm. on Saturdays.
By the coast, the Huntington Beach Central Library’s makerspace is nestled on the lowest floor next to the cafe, across from the base of the library’s indoor fountain.
Alessi uses the makerspace to create parts used by the Huntington Landmark Toymakers Club, an organization that makes toys for disabled and underprivileged children in the area.
He volunteers as the club’s website coordinator.
Alessi feels the makerspace is unique because it’s used by people of all age groups.
“Kids from their beginning teen years up through a lot of guys like me and into their 80s come to work on their projects here,” he said.
The makerspace, which opened in 2020, only allows library cardholders ages 14 and above to use the equipment.
This equipment includes 3D printers, cricut makers, a button maker, a desktop CNC router, laser engravers and different types of sewing machines, including a “heavy duty” sewing machine for heavier fabrics.
It can be accessed from 2:00 p.m. to 6:o0 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
The space costs around $5,000 per year to maintain, according to Makerspace Coordinator Ron Krasnitz. Costs remain low because of materials donations the makerspace receives, such as wood used in the laser engraver and corian used in the CNC router.
The makerspace is currently operated by around 15 volunteers, some of which also act as “coaches,” providing lessons to those interested in learning how to use the equipment.
“We have two groups of people coming in primarily,” said Slanthi Venkatesh, the volunteer sewing coach. “People coming in to learn how to use a sewing machine, and people coming in to mend or alter their clothes.”
Venkatesh noted that they have also helped individuals who would not have been able to afford a seamstress with mending and alterations at the makerspace.
“It’s special that the makerspace is completely free to use,” said Venkatesh. “I don’t think a lot of makerspaces allow you to use them for free.”
Erika Taylor is a Voice of OC Tracy Wood Reporting Fellow and photojournalist. You can find her on Instagram @camerakeepsrolling or email at etaylor@voiceofoc.org