Makerspace Enters Second Year with New Crafting Options

Bead art has been one of the Makerspace’s most popular activities.

By DAISY DENG and JOAN HUANG

Duct tape, string, and watercolor paints in the library? That’s right, the first floor of the annex is not just for studying and reading anymore. 

Back in March 2022, the librarians introduced the Makerspace after months of preparations by Ms. Elizabeth Gold, who took inspiration from “walking around the room and seeing that students were crafting.” She added, “I thought that [having a Makerspace] would be a really nice way for students to recharge and relax.”

The Makerspace “is a place where students can come during their busy day to take a break, relax with friends, and try different projects,” said Ms. Gold, “kind of like a collaboration space.” 

Materials are set up for students to create whatever they want. Depending on the day, there are different offerings such as origami, watercolor painting, chalk art, friendship bracelets, and Lego building.

Beading has been a popular choice. Students can make things such as bracelets and phone charms and then take their creations home. Sophomore Juliette Gitina says that she sometimes hangs hers up in her room as decoration. 

Lanyards and friendship bracelets have also been popular. Ms. Diana Marques, a librarian, said, “the days where we have lanyard making are days where we’re popping.”

Many students have found the Makerspace to be a great way to escape the stress of school and have fun for a bit. “I don’t need to think about anything else when I’m focused on the activity,” said Ziling Wu ‘26.

“I like being able to collaborate and talk to others over an activity,” said Kamara Anderson ‘24. “It’s a nice, calm space.”

“Focusing on something artsy is more relaxing than just sitting around the library,” said Gitina. “Me and my friends used to make drawings with the Lite Brite. Another time we were playing with duct tape. You get to create a lot of things.”

Students can stay for as long as they want as long as they don’t have class. Ms. Marques said that whenever there’s straw building, there’s “a group of boys that comes toward the end of the day and they just build with it.” 

She added that there’s also a group of ten students who will “come and stay for three periods straight” to do friendship bracelets.

“It’s a relaxing space,” said senior Lawrence Chen. “[Students are] able to do whatever they want with their creativity and no one’s judging them.” 

 If you’re doing an activity for the first time, there are step-by-step tutorial books to help. Ms. Marques created a dedicated bookshelf for them next to the Makerspace. The bookshelf encourages students to look through the library’s wider collection, Ms. Gold said. 

The Makerspace “definitely caught my eye when I was first entering the library,” said Chen. “Just seeing it when you walk in makes it interesting enough to go and read about what is there for the day, and seeing all the supplies laid out for free use is really interesting.”

So when you’re looking for a place in Midwood to get away from the stress of school, head on over to the Makerspace! If there’s an activity you’d like to see, mention your idea to the librarians at the front desk. They’re also looking for book recommendations. 

For further announcements and updates, check out the library’s Instagram (@midwoodhs.library).