May Member Highlights: Spotlight on Making

From high-tech tools to tech-free zones, libraries across Ohio are embracing the maker movement in ways that reflect their communities’ unique needs and interests. As we count down to OhioNet MakerFest on June 18, we’re highlighting three of our members — Athens County Public Libraries, Wright State University Libraries, and Grove City High School Library — and how each put their own creative spin on making.

Spotlight on Making: How Three Libraries are Sparking Creativity Across Ohio

Athens County Public Libraries: Building Community through Partnership

When Nick Tepe became Director of the Athens County Public Libraries in 2016, he saw the value of supporting existing community efforts. At the time, a local nonprofit, ReUse Industries, was already operating a makerspace in Athens. Rather than duplicate services, the library began checking out a few annual memberships to the space, allowing patrons access to tools and resources they might not otherwise be able to afford.

Then came the pandemic — ReUse entered bankruptcy, and the community stood to lose a vital resource. Tepe and the library joined a coalition led by Rural Action to submit a settlement proposal, ultimately taking over operations and relaunching the space as UpCycle Ohio Makerspace and Thrift, with a tool library sponsored by Athens County Public Libraries.

In addition to providing maker tools to the community, UpCycle Ohio also focuses on developing work skills for individuals re-entering the workforce from incarceration or in recovery from substance use disorders.

The library works directly with UpCycle Ohio to amplify these community efforts through collaborative promotion of events (see examples here and here), sourcing programming materials from their donated stock, and ordering library merchandise and reusable bags from them.

“For a mid-sized library like ours with a smaller budget, this partnership allows us to provide access to maker tools and learning without having to staff or fund a space ourselves,” Tepe said. “It’s a sustainable model that connects patrons to a valuable community resource.”

Grove City High School Library: No Tech, Big Impact

At Grove City High School, Head Librarian Amy Wise sees making as both a creative outlet and an opportunity for mindful disconnection from tech devices. The library is an open-concept space with no doors or storage, which means maker activities can’t be left out or ongoing. For this reason, Amy created a single-day program called No Tech Tuesday, where students can step away from their screens and spend time doing something with their hands.

This monthly event includes a mix of board games, coloring, LEGO challenges, Rubik’s Cube murals, sticker mosaics, and make-it take-it crafts. Wise rotates themes each month to keep things fresh and relevant. “As a selling point for admin, we focus on activities that are tech-free to help bring awareness to tech addiction,” she said.

Despite limited space and time, No Tech Tuesday has become a steady part of the school’s rhythm. Students look forward to it as a chance to reset and recharge through hands-on, creative activities.

Wright State University Libraries: Crafting Calm in a Campus Setting

At Wright State University Libraries, making takes the form of creativity, calm, and community. Launched at the start of the Fall 2024 semester, Crafternoons in the Library invites students to take a break from their studies and get hands-on with making activities. The one-hour drop-in events are free for students and supported by the Friends of the Libraries Foundation.

“We want students to know that the modern library isn’t just a quiet research space where people get shushed,” said Grace Ethier, Reference and Outreach Archivist. “By welcoming them into a creative space, we’re saying that all parts of them belong here…including the curious, artistic, and sometimes-messy parts.”

Librarians with craft experience often lead the sessions, and the team uses each event to spotlight maker kits and tools available for checkout. Programming has included cupcake decorating, embroidery, collaging, zine-making, and more, often paired with curated library resources in a dedicated Crafternoons LibGuide. Outside of scheduled events, button-making stations remain popular, with students returning to complete their own designs at any time.

“We want students to feel welcome and invited to explore different tools, resources, and skills within the library,” said Maggie Perry, Information Commons Supervisor. “Students of all crafting levels are invited to our programs, and we most often see beginners, which we love! It feels like a win-win situation when we can teach a student a new skill and see them walk away feeling confident and proud of their new ability. We truly believe these programs help reduce stress and inspire progress.”

From monthly events to cross-sector partnerships, these libraries show that making can take many forms. Special thanks to Athens County Public Libraries, Grove City High School Library, and Wright State University Libraries for contributing to this month’s feature!

Additional Member Updates –

• Please join us in extending a warm OhioNet welcome to Mt. Gilead Public Library!
• After more than 38 years of dedicated service, Pam Rossman is retiring from her role as OhioNet’s Order Specialist on May 30, 2025. Read more about Pam’s remarkable career here. 
• Limited spots remaining for OhioNet MakerFest — This in-person summit for library makers and makerspaces, hosted at the State Library of Ohio on June 18, 2025, will explore the ways libraries of all types and sizes can establish, maintain, and enhance making programs or makerspaces.
• New event series Coffee with Katy continues May 28. Connect with fellow members and OhioNet Executive Director & CEO Katy Mathuews in this monthly drop-in series designed for conversation, community, and connection. May’s discussion topic will focus on how libraries are adapting to legislative and fiscal change. Bring your questions and examples to share!

We love hearing from our members! Share news or highlight a recent project from your library in OhioNet’s monthly member highlights email – contact communications manager Jillian Tuttle at jilliant@ohionet.org for more information.