The Alachua County Library District (ACLD) opened its MakerSpace at the Headquarters Library on Saturday morning, with sewing machines ready to rumble, a laser cutter ready to etch and 3D printers ready to turn ideas physical.  

The 975-square-foot space had an all-in cost of half a million dollars, and ACLD Director Shaney Livingston noted that the area marks the district’s continued investment in makers’ spaces.  

She said the concepts started in the early 2000s, and the district jumped on board. The 12 branches around the county already have a variety of equipment and spaces available for these projects, including cinch book binding machines, coding laptops and booklet-making tools. The dedicated downtown space takes the district’s investment to another level. 

“We’re so proud of the impact that this is going to have in our community,” Livingston said. “We have built this, designed this just for our community, and we will reach out to other partners in our community to make sure that the space is being well utilized.” 

Livingston thanked the ACLD Foundation, Governing Board and Board of Trustees for their support of the district, and Foundation Chair Mitzi Austin presented a check for $50,000 to help cover the cost of the new space.  

After unveiling the new room, hidden behind a wall of black paper to prevent peeking and distraction, and cutting the ribbon, patrons and supporters packed into the MakerSpace. And they wasted no time getting started.  

A group of young girls were carefully making Perler bead designs within minutes of entering as library staff explained how certain equipment, like the 3D printer, worked.  

As a retired art teacher, Alachua County Commissioner Marihelen Wheeler said during the ceremony that the sign should say “my happy space” beneath it. She praised the ACLD for its work and Livingston’s leadership.  

“We’re very, very proud of Director Livingston and the work that she has done for the county and what she has given the communities of this county,” Wheeler said. “I would follow her anywhere.” 

Dr. Bessie Jackson, chair of the ACLD Board of Trustees, said the new area will give patrons the tools to tackle their ideas. 

“This isn’t just an area,” Jackson said. “It’s a space where ideas can come alive; it’s a dynamic environment where imagination meets innovation.” 

The Headquarters Library will have staff at the space to assist with projects along with some of the materials needed, like wood patrons can purchase for etchings and the filaments needed for 3D printing.  

ACLD also has a portable 3D printer that library branches can borrow for demonstrations throughout outlying cities.  

As March ends, patrons can gain some inspiration by visiting any library branch to see the 2025 Quilt Trail, with over 100 quilts on display.