Reading Time: 3 minutesHow do you transform a community into a hub of innovation, learning, and creativity? One proven answer lies in maker fairs—dynamic local events that celebrate invention, experimentation, and collaboration. Maker fairs, sometimes described as “The Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth,” blend science, art, technology, and culture into engaging, participatory experiences. In 2024, universities, libraries, […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat makes stories such a powerful tool for building communities? From ancient myths around the fire to digital narratives shared across social media, storytelling has always been a way for humans to connect, reflect, and mobilize. Today, community leaders, educators, and librarians are rediscovering storytelling’s potential as a bridge for cultural participation and creative engagement. […]

Reading Time: 3 minutesEver wondered how a makerspace in your local library or community center could spark real change? In 2025, reports show a growing number of libraries and organizations turning to maker programs — not just for fun, but to boost local engagement, foster entrepreneurship, and create inclusive learning spaces. These creative programs bring residents together around […]

Reading Time: < 1 minuteMaker Celebration Brings Creativity and Community to the Free Library Philadelphia’s Free Library hosted its Maker Celebration on Saturday, the 17th, drawing youth, mentors, and community partners together for a showcase of creativity and innovation. The event, held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., featured final presentations from the Connected Messages project, where teens and […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesConnected Messages is a maker initiative funded by a Project:Connect grant, and developed by the Free Library of Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education and School of Design (eCrafting.org). It was implemented in five library locations across Philadelphia during the summer of 2013. The goal was to introduce youth to electronics […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesAt the Kensington Library making a learning environment that is accessible, friendly, and interactive has been the most effective way of reaching the most “difficult” children. When school is over and children flock to the library, the last thing they want is to sit still and be told what to do. For some, art activities […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesMcPherson Square Library, a site that launched Maker programming just last month, held a Fall Festival this past weekend. Maker Jawn was invited to attend and host an activity table. Gavin and I went, ready for some animation with a set of iPads and a big box of Play Doh. We decided to do stop […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesSome of the most important skills we strive to teach within our space are resiliency and openness to failure. As a Mentor whose primary responsibility has been to float between our program locations as support staff and to assist in staff transitions, how can I expect that my mere presence in our space will invite […]

Reading Time: 2 minutesDrugs are a serious problem that must be solved. However, in addition to promoting information, for example order term papers with statistics and examples. Which would explain why drugs are bad and the consequences of their use, we need more centers where people can realize themselves and take part in various projects. Liam asked me […]