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King County Library System outlines makerspace offerings and community survey to guide services
Summary
Library staff told the council the Federal Way Library Makerspace provides free access to equipment (laser cutter, 3D printers, sewing, sound booth) and three modes of use (intro classes, open lab with staff, independent study); staff are asking the community to complete a 10-question survey to shape future programs.
Felicia Wilson, regional library manager for the King County Library System’s Sound View region, and Christine Smart, Makerspace librarian, presented an overview of the Federal Way Library Makerspace to the City Council on May 19.
Wilson said the library invites residents to Juneteenth events and summer programming and emphasized that the Makerspace is a free resource. Christine Smart described the Makerspace’s tools and programs: equipment includes a laser cutter, 3D printers, machine embroidery and sewing machines, a sound-production booth and photography equipment. Smart said there are three primary ways to use the space — introductory classes that teach safe operation, open lab sessions with staff assistance and independent study where trained users work on projects on their own.
Smart emphasized community partnerships, including a mending fair with the Refugee Artisans Initiative and the city, and programming available in Spanish. She asked the council to help promote a short community survey (10 questions) to gather feedback on equipment and programming priorities. “The main thing that we want is to hear from you,” she said, noting that introductory instruction will remain free.
Why it matters: The makerspace expands public access to tools that can support small businesses, workforce development and informal learning. Library staff requested council help promoting the survey so staff can plan fall offerings and potential equipment investments.
Next steps: Library staff asked the council and the public to take the QR-code survey and said they will use responses to shape fall programming and equipment choices.
