ACPL Announces New Look for Maker Spaces

The Allen County Public Library announced Monday plans to update its makerspaces systemwide, in line with the library’s 2024-2028 strategic plan.

The spaces will be renamed with new services under the banner of Library Studios.

Kerstin Glaess is the program and partnership specialist in charge of the Makerspaces. She said the spaces are moving beyond their current feel of small, craft-based spaces.

“We’re entering the world of video-audio production and advanced manufacturing for everyone, based on what they want as a creative spark for their future,” Glaess said.

Renderings of the planned studio are available online and show a larger space that will include the former café area of the main library, as well as a new podcasting booth that can accommodate more people at a time, upgraded 3D printers, and more gathering spaces for group work.

The Don Wood Foundation awarded the library a $122,000 grant to help purchase new equipment, analytics and services when it launches.

Construction of the new space is expected to be completed by the end of 2024 and open in early 2025.