Make It Idaho

A project supporting the creation of makerspaces in Idaho public libraries. Thank you to the Institute of Museum and Library Services for funding support.

This is a pilot project implemented in 2012-2013 by the Idaho Commission for Libraries. The project is designed to support the implementation of "making" activities and makerspaces in library sites across Idaho. Currently 11 libraries are participating in the project. The goal is to support the libraries in providing rich learning opportunities during out-of-school time. The Commission will provid

06/18/2024

It's official, Idaho's Make It At the Library program has come to an end. However, that doesn't mean the making has to end! Check out our website for a walk down memory lane and news on ways to get support for your maker and STEM programming. https://libraries.idaho.gov/stem/make-it/

06/03/2024

Preparing to say "farewell" to the Make It program gives you a great excuse to revisit this video! Stay tuned later this month for links to a recording of the "farewell" slideshow and places to keep getting support for your maker programs.

02/26/2024

Are you or folks in your library making zines? Why not get them into the hands of appreciative zinesters!

Send us your zines! -

Your zine will be seen & enjoyed by thousands of library workers at .
Help another library start a zine collection!

Mail zines by mid-June to:
Palisades Library
c/o ZINE LIBRARIAN
861 Alma Real Drive, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

02/21/2024

A great learning opportunity for library staff this summer!

Join Dr. Paul Verhage and the Idaho Out-of-School Network to learn what it takes to start a STEM after school program. In this four-day course, you will become familiar with STEM pedagogy for elementary and middle school students, get comfortable with the subject area regardless of your background, learn about grants and funding resources, and meet after school administrators who successfully run STEM programs. We will also visit an afterschool provider and see STEM education in action!
Register: https://stem.idaho.gov/apply/i-stem/cwi/

12/11/2023

What a great program! You could have wreath programs any time of year. Think of all the holidays that are celebrated in your community!

Intergenerational programming has become a favorite at the Lewiston City Library’s Make It @ the Library program. Last week, participants of all ages enjoyed creating beautiful holiday wreaths using items donated by a generous patron. Everyone shared their supplies and the creative energy was flowing. Each wreath was unique and we think everyone had a great time making new friends at the library!

12/05/2023

They used the laser cutter at their library!

New assemblage at Art Source Gallery. This was made from a wood box and broken ceramic piece I acquired at the Reuse market. The wood tree and leaves I made at the library with their laser cutter. The dog is from my huge collection of miniatures. The vintage button, felt bird and wreath were part of my reuse stash.

10/03/2023

Congrats to the Lewiston City Library on their new maker tools!

Thanks to a grant from the Clarkston Walmart, the Lewsiton City Library was able to purchase six sewing machines that will be used for future sewing classes. We will also dedicate one machine for patrons to check-out. Pictured: Debra Allen and Alicia Gray.

Photos from Making, Innovating, and Learning Laboratory-The MILL's post 09/05/2023

Do you have a cutting machine withering away in a closet? Let these designs coming out of the MILL at UofI inspire you to dig it out and get to making!

07/17/2023

I just learned about TurtleStitch today! It looks like an amazing tool to convert coding to embroidery :) Their FAQ has details about whether your machine will work for stitching the embroidery.

07/10/2023

VERY excited that we're able to offer this new service to folks in Idaho needing tech help!

Free tech help is only a phone call away! The Digital Navigators at the Idaho Commission for Libraries provide one-on-one assistance over the phone to help Idahoans learn how to use their devices, navigate the web safely, find financial assistance to access the internet, and so much more. Call 208-398-0098 or visit IdahoDigitalSkills.org/digital-navigators to schedule your appointment.

07/06/2023

What a great way to encourage folks of all ages to keep on making!

This week's All TO-GO Now activities are almost here! Here's a sneak peak at what you can pick up tomorrow, Thursday July 6th: For the kiddos, we have kits to make your own painted strawberry rock. For teens, we have a mini self-portrait kit. And for adults, a tea bag painting kit! Tune in tomorrow for a quick video on each!

05/24/2023

A great training opportunity from wonderful organization!

All Fort Hall area educators are invited to attend a free training to learn how to lead K-8 STEM activities on May 31 from 9 am to 2:30 pm. Think Make Create Labs teach STEM concepts through fun, hands-on experiences. No previous experience teaching STEM is required! This training will be at the Fort Hall Tribal Justice Center at 56 Agency Rd, Fort Hall, ID 83202. Sign up at https://idahooutofschool.org/think-make-create-labs-curriculum/

05/09/2023

Help shape what future STEM professional development opportunities might look like from organizations across the state!

The Idaho STEM EcosySTEM Educator Preparation, Training, and Support working group has created a survey to get a better understanding of professional development (or PD) needs for formal and informal educators in our state.

The results will be used to inform the development of PK-12 PD opportunities for educators statewide, and shared with smaller organizations (like Gizmo!) to help inform their own PD offerings.

The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete.

Click the link to take the survey: https://forms.gle/VLESx24YmxVepjRw6

05/01/2023

IdahoGives is going on today through the 4th. Please find your passion under the “cause” button.

My passion- the Shelley Supporters of the Arts. They are a great organization and sponsor the SteAm 4th grade SCIENCE/ART class series.

Please consider donating to help this worthwhile program.

02/28/2023

A group of researchers at the University of Oklahoma could use your help with their makerspace research project! They are investigating the current state of programming, design, and accessibility of public library makerspaces’ programs for youth with disabilities.

Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management The most powerful, simple and trusted way to gather experience data. Start your journey to experience management and try a free account today.

02/27/2023

A wonderful program to bring the magic of a cutting machine to your community!

Learn how to use a Cricut cutting machine and heat press using iron-on vinyl to create a fun book bag. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver that is 15 years old.
Dates: Wednesday March 8 & Saturday March 11
Time: Wednesday Class: 5:00-6:30 PM, Saturday 2:00-3:30 PM
Place: Library Makery

02/02/2023

Helping us promote the ACP is one way to support people in your community by getting them connected!

Hey, Idaho librarians and staff, would you like an easy way to communicate about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)? If so, we've got a social campaign for you. Visit our ACP page for info and a social media toolkit (under "Help Spread the Word!): https://libraries.idaho.gov/digital-inclusion/affordable-connectivity-program/ You'll find art and text for 20 different FB and Twitter posts so you can mix, match, and choose your favorites to easily post on your pages. (And if you use Canva, you can upload the art to your Canva account and customize it for your library, such as by adding your logo).

01/26/2023

What a great way to put the "A" in STEAM!

In STEM today we made marble mazes including tunnels!

01/03/2023

A great maker/ STEM job opportunity right here in Idaho!

Idaho Out-of-School Network is hiring!
ION is looking for a full-time Think Make Create Lab coordinator.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Idaho Out-of-School Network (ION) TMC Lab Project Coordinator will provide coordination of the 25 TMC Labs Statewide and develop the systems, partnerships and networks to support the vision, mission and long-term goals of the Idaho Out-of-School Network.

For more information and to apply go to:
https://idahononprofits.mcjobboard.net/jobs/97915

Timeline photos 12/29/2022

A great maker activity to start getting supplies for!

Valentine STEM: Light-Up Circuit Valentines
https://leftbraincraftbrain.com/light-circuit-valentines/

The kids will love making these Valentines glow!

Discover Exoplanets: The Search for Alien Worlds Exhibit Opportunity Now Open – STAR Net Community 12/28/2022

A cool opportunity to bring a fun space science exhibit to YOUR library!

Discover Exoplanets: The Search for Alien Worlds Exhibit Opportunity Now Open – STAR Net Community Discover Exoplanets: The Search for Alien Worlds Exhibit Opportunity Now Open Stephanie Vierow-Fields December 7, 2022 0 Comments The Space Science Institute is pleased to announce a free NASA exhibit for public libraries. The next tour of ‘Discover Exoplanets: The Search for Alien Worlds’ will ...

12/07/2022

Ohhhh...Nampa Public Library is providing laser engraving! 👀

Laser engraving is now available!
See details at nampalibrary.org/laser

12/05/2022

A great opportunity to learn about bringing citizen science to your library!

Intro to Citizen Science Professional Development Workshop
Join fellow educators for a "mini PD" exploring strategies for engaging students in meaningful learning through Citizen Science. The first of our three-part virtual PD workshop series: Citizen Science & Pocket Labs. Workshops may be taken individually as stand-alone programs, or in succession for PD credit.

Idaho Public Educators (including public/charter school teachers & staff, public library workers & non-profit/after-school program personnel) are automatically eligible for a $100 scholarship through the Idaho STEM Action Center.

https://gizmocda.civicrm.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=43&fbclid=IwAR3Xvv53tkY3zi2u4NEz3lSDQxBAdkH0JpfMHAuxWNQYqLQ9dTpWsFRVmes

11/29/2022

A great FT job opportunity to work with makerspace technologies at the unBound Branch of the Meridian Library District!

The Meridian Library District is hiring for two full-time positions:

- unBound branch library assistant
- District digital services librarian

Learn more about these exciting opportunities at mld.org/employment.

11/22/2022

A great way to promote making and support a culture of repair!

Clothe-mending specialists will be available to repair your clothing for free, whether it be a simple stitch, a lengthy sew, patch, or zipper/button replacement, our specialists can help!

Please limit your clothing to 4 items per person (you may bring in extra and those will be serviced if there are specialists available).

If you’re interested, these specialists will also teach you their mending techniques.

Buttons, zippers, patches and sewing string is all provided by the library.

Flying M is providing free coffee and cookies!

You may also just come by and observe clothe-mending.

This program is welcome to any age.

Photos from Challis Public Library's post 11/16/2022

Great work Challis Public Library on putting those Makey Makey's to use! They're a great way to get started with circuits :)

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Our Story

The project is designed to support the creation of Makerspaces in Idaho libraries and encourage the delivery of library services to digital users “where they live.” The Commission will provide the necessary materials and trainings to implement creative, STEAM-based programming for all ages. The project will :


  • Provide library staff with tools and skills to encourage college and career-ready opportunities in their libraries.

  • Assist libraries in developing events and services to keep their communities engaged with the emerging trends in information access.
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