The Maker Studio in the local library takes the term “D.I.Y.” to the next level. Having innovative technology makes anyone able to bring their vision to life.
“[The Maker Studio] is a do it yourself workshop,” said Maker Studio Supervisor Kellen Freeman. “[The staff] is here to show you how to run the equipment, answer your questions, fix the [problems] and make sure the materials are here and help you along the way.”

The workshop is where anyone from the community can come in and use the space to create their own banners, t-shirts (with the t-shirt press), stickers, embroidery (with sewing machines), and 3-D printed projects.
“Keep in mind that for the Delaware [Maker Space], you have to sign up for a time and these times are very limited,” Hayes librarian Sarah Ressler said. “So when you go to the Delaware Library website, there is a spot to register for the Maker Space, both at the main branch as well as the Liberty branch.”
When using the space, the only cost is for materials that are being used for the project, not the actual machines themselves. This allows for people to personalize their work for a more affordable cost.
“It is the cost of materials that we provide,” Freeman said. “If you bring your own materials […] you will not have to pay for anything while you are there.”
Delaware City Schools has created their own spinoff of the maker space, calling their creative space, which is located in the Willis building, the “Pacer Space.” The Pacer Space made its debut this school year, and many elementary classes are visiting with a goal of learning things that they wouldn’t learn in a usual classroom setting.
“We are really attacking it from the point of view that this is a field trip,” teaching and learning coach PJ Terry said. “This is a trip away from school to go learn and have different experiences.”
Over time, the creative space will start to make its way through the grade levels in schools, allowing the space to grow with the kids that are a part of it right now.
“[The Pacer Space] is built for K-5, however we are starting to get equipment for a Pacer Space at Dempsey and then it goes to Hayes,” teaching and learning coach Mandy Mays said.
Both creative spaces share similar machines with something different at each. Both have 3-D printers, a laser engraver, a wide format printer, and machines that allow you to print on t-shirts.

However, the Pacer Space is only open to k-5 students who come on their class field trip, whereas the Maker Studio at the library is available to everyone in the community.

Ressler mentions if students or community members are interested in using the Maker Studio, make sure to plan out what they are wanting to do before they go, because the time slots are limited.
“The best part of [both spaces] is the sense of satisfaction that you made something professional and that you did it,” Ressler said. “I think between Canva and the makerspace, there is a sense of accomplishment and pride.”