July Member Highlights: OhioNet MakerFest in Review
Connection through Creating: OhioNet MakerFest in Review
On June 18, 2025, more than 45 library professionals gathered at the State Library of Ohio for OhioNet’s first MakerFest. Participants from libraries of all types and sizes came together for this single-day summit focused on how libraries incorporate making and makerspaces into their services.
From the moment attendees walked in, the room was filled with excitement to share how libraries are creating, sustaining and evolving makerspaces and making programs. “It was inspiring to see so many people from OhioNet member libraries in community — sharing ideas, celebrating creativity, and supporting one another’s work,” said Hannah Rosen, Director of Strategic Purchasing and Professional Development at OhioNet. That energy carried into sessions designed to spark ideas and encourage the exchange of practical insight.
The MakerFest program started with a keynote presentation from Sarah Nagle, Creation and Innovative Services Librarian at Miami University. Her talk, “Envisioning the Future of Equity and Belonging in Library Makerspaces,” invited attendees to think critically about access, identity, and the values embedded in makerspace design.
The next session featured a practitioner panel, Establishing a Makerspace, facilitated by Katy Mathuews (OhioNet) and featuring John Burke (Miami University Middletown), Kellen Freeman (Delaware County District Library) and Lisa Salyers (Wilmington Public Library). Panelists shared lessons learned from their experiences building makerspaces — offering a valuable look at the challenges and opportunities that arise throughout the journey of building, operating, and sustaining a makerspace.
Training Makerspace Workers explored how to prepare student employees and librarians alike to lead in these creative environments. Lori Chapin (Miami University) and Matthew Skvasik (Cuyahoga County Public Library) offered practical guidance for expanding worker skills, centering user experience in maker programs, and empowering librarians as makerspace leaders.
During Makerspace Partnerships, presenters Stephanie Diaz and Julia Warga (John Carroll University), Cara Kouse (Greene County Public Library) and Gloria Malone (Champaign County Public Library) shared how strategic collaborations — on campus and in the wider community — can expand the reach and relevance of library makerspaces.
A hands-on origami session led by Rob Snyder (Bowling Green State University) brought renewed energy to the afternoon. Participants explored the history of origami, its impact as a STEAM activity, and the benefits of incorporating a low-tech, inexpensive, and versatile medium into maker programming.
The afternoon wrapped with Makerspace Programming, a mix of lightning talks that featured Katie Foran-Mulcahy (University of Cincinnati), Mary Ann Gutierrez (Cuyahoga Falls Library), Lauren Rura (Washington-Centerville Public Library), and Rachel Kowalski and Tristan Wheeler (Lorain Public Library System). Topics ranged from game-based learning and engaging programming to piloting a MakerLab in one library’s curriculum materials center and hosting community repair events.
Following the event, attendees highlighted both the professional value and personal connections they experienced. One shared, “MakerFest was not only incredibly informative but also deeply inspiring,” while another noted, “I loved having the opportunity to engage with other library makerspace professionals. I hope we can do this again!”
A huge thank you to all who presented, participated, and helped us build a community of library makers. Due to high interest and a waitlist for this event, we’re planning to offer additional maker programming later this year to keep the conversation and creativity going. View the full MakerFest 2025 photo gallery on Flickr.
