Makerspace

Drop in for exploration, learning, and play!

Enjoy staff-led activities in the library’s Makerspace Monday-Friday from 3:30 to 5:00PM

Staff-led daily activities are listed on our programming calendar

Learn about reserving the Makerspace for your school or group HERE!

Scroll down for more information on our special weekly Makerspace programs.

Two children stand in a fort constructed in the library's makerspace

The library’s Makerspace is laid out to encourage visitors of all ages to explore independently. Additionally, library staff plan and implement a daily focus activity.

Daily activities include challenges that promote collaboration and critical thinking, where staff encourage children to complete a specific task that relates to a scientific concept (e.g. building a bridge that holds something heavy, identifying an image under a microscope). 

6-8 STEAM-themed stations change weekly, and are open for visitors to explore independently. These stations relate to different elements of STEAM – science, technology, engineering, art, and math. 

The Makerspace promotes learning through open exploration, creativity and collaboration, while also encouraging children to apply and improve their literacy skills. Read more about the benefits of Makerspaces here.

The Makerspace is made possible thanks to grant funding from the Holmberg Foundation.

Weekly Makerspace Programs

Monday Morning Open Play

Monday Open Play | Every Monday 10:30-1:30PM

Stop by the Makerspace every Monday from 10:30-1:30 for Monday Open Play, a time for children and their caregivers to use our Makerspace for free play. Children will get to play in the Makerspace with activities like building blocks, Magnatiles, ramps and balls, and other hands-on educational play.

No registration is required for this free program. Questions? Call (716) 484-7135 Ext. 234.

Sensory Play Saturdays every Saturday from 11:00 A.M. to 12:15 P.M.

Sensory Play Saturdays | Every Saturday 11:00AM-12:15PM

Join us Saturday mornings in the Makerspace from 11:00-12:15 for sensory play. This program is drop-in – come when you can! Explore early science concepts with hands-on, sensory-based activities. 

Sensory play is an important part of child development. It helps children process the world around them, encourage exploration, and improve sensory processing.

This program is primarily for children 6 and under and their caregivers, but all ages and older siblings are welcome! No registration required.

Saturday Open Play

Saturday Open Play | Every Saturday 12:15-3:00PM | Begins 4/1/2023

Stop by after our weekly Sensory Play program (or extend your visit) to explore all the Makerspace has to offer! Children will get to play in the Makerspace with activities like building blocks, Magnatiles, ramps and balls, and other hands-on educational play.

No registration is required for this free program. Questions? Call (716) 484-7135 Ext. 234.

Gallery

Three children are focused on building a wooden marble run
Two children laugh while building with magnatiles
A child builds a pinball game out of a paper plate and other craft supplies

 The Makerspace is made possible thanks to grant funding from the Holmberg Foundation.