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Garland librarians report growing makerspace use, aim to expand classes and equipment
Summary
Library staff reported that Central and West Garland makerspaces have served hundreds of patrons, outlined safety and training rules, and said they plan to expand classes and equipment to support workforce skills and entrepreneurship.
Library staff told the Garland Library Board that the system’s two makerspaces have drawn sustained public interest and that staff plan gradual expansions in equipment and classes.
“Since we have the makerspace starting at CLE, we had 455 patrons that have taken at least 1 makerspace class,” said Isabelle Marasco, a makerspace lead at West Garland, citing registrations and participation data. Staff said Central’s makerspace, Curiosity Corner, averages 12–15 classes and about 300 attendees per month, with roughly 500 monthly visitors across sites.
Presenters said classes range from introductory tutorials to project workshops and that the program emphasizes advanced skills — including 2D/3D design and introductory CNC milling — that can feed into job pathways or small business prototyping. Staff highlighted examples of patrons creating products for craft fairs and prototype components, and said they try to support entrepreneurs by offering design and production assistance.
Staff also discussed outreach and partnerships, noting coordination with local artist incubators and volunteer recruitment through volunteergarland.org. The board did not take formal action; staff said they will continue to develop class schedules and equipment plans and report back with budget or space requests if needed.
