Library proposes maker-in-residence pilot to test maker space demand

Library staff outlined a proposal to convert the underused computer lab into a maker/innovation space and to run a pilot 'maker-in-residence' program to test community interest. The pilot would bring a part-time specialist for three to nine months to develop equipment policy, teach skills, and run programming before committing to larger capital outlays.

"A lot of libraries have a maker space on site. It's it's very trendy. Um it offers new things to the community... so instead of just kind of going forward with a program of that scale before we kind of know the community's appetite for that, we're proposing to do a makerin residence program..." Rachel explained. Staff noted $9,000 in contract labor for instructors and $12,000 for a children's-room mural in the proposed budget, and said the pilot would start in January with flexibility to extend if community demand warrants.

Council members complimented library staff for high usage and asked questions about staffing, program scope and costs; staff said the pilot is designed to be iterative and low-risk, allowing the city to test interest before larger commitments.