Today, more and more public libraries around the world are joining a growing movement that fosters innovation and exploration: the “maker” movement. The initiative encourages people in libraries to gather and share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network, and build things. Makerspaces provide tools and space in a community environment, where users become creators, not just consumers.

The movement is also taking hold in Moldovan libraries, where the combination of modern technologies, community interest, and education form a compelling argument for learning through hands-on exploration.

Advocates of the adoption of modern technologies and innovative educational approaches, Novateca and Peace Corps Moldova joined their efforts to bring the makerspace experience to public libraries through its Maker Corner program. A variety of innovative educational items – ‘Makey Makey’ sets, Legos, Snapchat Circuit Boards, Chemistry Experiment sets – have been delivered to Novateca libraries, so that users of all ages and backgrounds could explore and play with them, with the guidance of librarians, volunteers and other community members.

During an Orientation session, organized on May 25, the eight teams from Criuleni, Cahul, Razeni, Ialoveni, Riscova, Anenii Noi, Riscani, Ceadir Lunga, and Balti libraries used Lego kits to build a modern library, Makey Makey sets to play with sound and learn about electricity, and used a 3D Doodler to create crafts.

However, a makerspace is more than just a collection of gadgets, it is an association of people who want to learn and create. In this context, the orientation event was also a platform for communication, exchange of information between libraries, and discussing about expectations for these projects.

At the end of the event, teams took home the innovative educational items to further explore their benefits and try out activities and services. Over the next 6 months, the Maker Corner Teams will share lessons learned and best practices for managing maker spaces in Moldovan libraries. These ideas will be collected and developed to use for future maker space initiatives.