[samtho]

I honestly think a library is the best place for a general public makerspace for 90% of cases. That last 10% encompasses famous ones in specific cities like Noisebridge in SF or c-base in Berlin (all of which can only exist in that city’s culture scene) and also smaller, niche spaces such as Curious Forge, DIY or die (sadly defunct), etc.

My local library system offers a limited “makerspace” program[0] that does some of this stuff within the library, but I think something that should be more integrated is their Library of Things[1] program which allows patrons to take home all sorts of tools and equipment that are just not used very often.

I think more library systems should be granted the freedom and funding by their governing bodies to create a makerspace.

Footnote: The other option I didn’t address was to have schools/universities maintain them, but those are always reserved for student and faculty.

[0]: https://www.saclibrary.org/Education/Tech-Creation/Makerspac...

[1]: https://www.saclibrary.org/Books-Media/Specialty-Checkouts/L...

[robcohen]

I disagree, I’ve never found a library hackerspace that I liked. I think the problem is in liability. A real hackerspace has insane liability issues, and city govs are about the most risk averse groups there is.

Unfortunately I think hackerspace on gov property are doomed to never be cool.

[samtho]

I don’t disagree with the assessment that hackerspaces on government property will never be cool, mainly because I think we are beyond the days where being “cool” is a given. There is a distinction I need to make first, however:

The label of hackerspace should really be earned and the spaces that fall into that 10% group demonstrate specific ethos, robust community engagement, and as a result can operate independently.

A makerspace is just a place where you make stuff in and can have or gain some level of access to tools and equipment. It is certainly not as cool as a hackerspace, but its very presence is the prototype for one.

[morkalork]

Does the young person making stuff to sell on Etsy care about how cool the place is? I guess it depends on if you're really looking for a social club.