Buda Public Library Awarded Grant To Create Pop Up Makerspace

BUDA, TX –  The Buda Public Library has been awarded a grant to create a pop up makerspace. Makerspaces are “Do It Yourself” spaces where people can invent, explore, and create. They provide a hands-on educational experience by utilizing a variety of tools and materials.

The Buda Public Library submitted a grant proposal and was ultimately awarded $14,255 to create the pop up makerspace. This project was made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

“This is a very exciting opportunity for the Buda Public Library and the Buda community. This program will provide opportunities for participants in middle school and high school to unleash their creativity and interact with technology to create real life solutions,” said Caitlin Foley, Buda Public Library Youth Coordinator.

The pop up makerspace will be maintained by library staff and rotated at the following schools: Dahlstrom Middle School, Barton Middle School, McCormick Middle School and Hays High School. 

“The access students will have to this makerspace and resources will allow participants to create solutions, generate content, and share information with each other. We are very excited to begin this project and get this makerspace rolling,” said Foley.

“This Makerspace will definitely serve a need in terms of providing high-quality STEM programming for Buda middle-school students. Makerspaces are a wonderful way to incorporate this type of programming, and this grant will allow our students to access materials that they otherwise would not have,” said Ana Garcia, Dahlstrom Middle School Librarian.  

Materials for the makerspace are expected to arrive by the end of this month. They include circuits, Arduino kits, 3D pens, raspberry pi’s, robot starter kits, littleBits, a button maker, and much more!

“The makerspace project supports many of the skills taught in math, science, and career and technology classes using engaging, hands-on activities,” said Celina McGee, Hays High School Librarian. “Student familiarity and confidence in these subject areas will follow them as they prepare for colleges and careers outside Hays CISD. Participating in makerspace activities allows students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in a practical manner.”

The Buda Public Library will also begin hosting a Maker Monday intended for middle school and high school students. Maker Monday will begin on December 5^th at 4:30 pm at the Buda Public Library located at 303 Main Street. Participants can interact with all the gadgets in the makerspace; the first project will be to complete their very own light-up holiday cards. Each month will have a featured project but participants are always welcome to determine their own projects with the makerspace materials.

 “Barton Middle School is excited about the possibility of having the Buda Public Library provide our students various opportunities to explore the many options associated with makerspace. There is a very high interest in the STEM arena and this program that the library plans to bring to Barton Middle School will be extremely popular,” said Teri Eubank, Barton Middle School Principal.

The pop up makerspace is scheduled to begin traveling to schools in November.