Making in Libraries: September Webinar Series
Building on the enthusiasm from OhioNet’s recent MakerFest Summit, we’re offering a focused series of webinars on making and makerspaces in September. These webinars are created to help you build practical skills, discover new strategies, and strengthen your library’s programs. Each session highlights a different aspect of making — from designing inclusive spaces to exploring hands-on activities that engage learners of all ages. Whether you’re just getting started with making at your library or looking to expand an existing makerspace, these webinars will give you tools and ideas you can put into practice right away.
OhioNet Introduces a New Partnership with Creativebug
Product Demo on September 4, 2025 from 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
OhioNet is thrilled to announce our new partnership with Creativebug — an incredible resource now available to all OhioNet members! Members will receive a 15-20% discount off list price.
With this partnership, libraries can gain affordable access to Creativebug’s vast collection of thousands of craft and art tutorials at all skill levels. Meghan Alley, our representative, will be reviewing the features of this resource. Due to the interest in OhioNet’s recent Makerfest summit, Meghan will also take some time to specifically identify resources for makerspaces or maker programming. Learn more and register here.
Making/Makerspace Partnerships
Webinar on September 18, 2025 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Join us for a virtual session to hear ideas focused on making and makerspace partnerships, both within the library and with external organizations. Attendees will hear from a public librarian and an academic librarian with unique perspectives:
John J. Burke holds the rank of Principal Librarian and is the Director of the Gardner-Harvey Library on the Middletown regional campus of Miami University. His scholarship centers on makerspaces, LMS embedded librarianship, and technology for library staff. He earned an M.A. in instructional design and technology from Miami University, an M.S. in library science from the University of Tennessee, and a B.A. in history from Michigan State University.
Cara Kouse is the Innovation and Makerspace Manager at Greene County Public Library in Ohio. After several years in STEM and maker focused library leadership, Cara created the makerspace department and built the GCPL makerspace in 2016. Cara has since been running and growing the makerspace while also helping many libraries and schools with makerspace planning. Cara is the Co-Chair of the Nation of Makers Library Working Group and a charter member of Library Makers.
Learn more and register to attend here.
Making With Limited Resources
Webinar on September 23, 2025 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Are you interested in having a makerspace or maker activities, but dealing with limited resources? Join us online to hear how two innovative public librarians manage making with limited space, limited staff, limited equipment and more. Speakers include Lisa Salyers, Assistant Director at Wilmington Public Library and Chloe Browne, Community Engagement Librarian at Ritter Public Library. Learn more and register here.
Making & Makerspace Programming Lightning Round
Webinar on September 25, 2025 from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
After a popular session at our in-person MakerFest event in June, OhioNet is bringing the energy online! Join us for this virtual forum to hear programming ideas focused on making and makerspaces. This lightning round session will feature short presentations from multiple librarians, highlighting both successful and experimental programs from their libraries. You’ll hear from a mix of returning MakerFest presenters and new voices throughout this fast-paced event, all offering creative ideas you can try in your own library.
Presenters include:
• Adam Eckley, Makerspace Coordinator, Mary L. Cook Public Library
• Katie Foran-Mulcahy, Associate Senior Librarian, University of Cincinnati
• Mary Ann Gutierrez, Makerspace Librarian, Cuyahoga Falls Public Library
• Emily Hoffman, Adult Services Librarian, Akron-Summit County Public Library
• Lauren Rura, Washington-Centerville Public Library
Learn more and register here.
