The Jacksonville Public Library’s Jax Makerspace is a place for hands-on opportunities to explore, collaborate and create. A multi-purpose creative space located in the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville, the Jax Makerspace also features a gallery with rotating exhibits that highlight the local arts community.

Jax Makerspace programs and activities emphasize making and creating for customers of all ages, whether through arts and crafts, technology, music, or writing. Programs include guitar lessons, acrylics painting, 3D design basics, digital photography, and more. We support aspiring authors with program topics on blogging and publishing, and encourage DIYers with classes such as bicycle repair.

We also offer equipment for self-directed use, such as sewing machines, a Silhouette Cameo, a green screen and ukuleles. In development are stations for Virtual Reality, music production and digitization.

STEAM building kits provide engaging opportunities to develop and refine creative and problem-solving skills. Craft kits, with instructions and supplies, are available anytime. We strive to include, encourage and delight our customers with a variety of creating and making opportunities.

Since its launch in August 2016, the Jax Makerspace has engaged the local community with a total of 1,035 programs and activities attended by 8,023 participants. The Jax Makerspace continues to expand in scope and services with Virtual Reality, music production and digitization services currently in development. Library staff are actively involved in developing and facilitating Makerspace programs, from guitar lessons to sewing classes. As a result, the Jax Makerspace is developing into a launch pad for programs now being implemented across the JPL library system.

In collaboration with the Jax Makerspace, the Jax Makerspace Gallery is an exhibit space with a focus on local artists, featuring contemporary art that explores a unifying theme in a variety of mediums, including painting, screen printing, textiles, videography, etc. In these styles, exhibits have focused on topics such as identity and race, sexual violence, and the impact of the arts in mental health and medicine. Exhibited artists also give talks and hands-on demonstrations in the Jax Makerspace. The Jax Makerspace Gallery recently hosted the internationally known and anonymous street artist Banksy’s Haight Street Rat.

The Jax Makerspace has been successful in developing external partnerships, from organizations like the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville and the Museum of Science and History (MOSH), to local businesses and community services. Partnerships with the Duval County Public Schools (DCPS) have resulted in Makerspace staff leading field trips for students and hosting events like hackathons as well as enabling collaborative opportunities between Makerspace and DCPS staff. The Jax Makerspace staff are also active in the community, participating in outreach at local maker fairs, science festivals and community arts events.

In providing customers with access to tools and materials, hands-on learning opportunities, formal and informal instruction, the Jax Makerspace is updating the traditional library model for the 21^st Century. We’re developing a space responsive to our community needs as we connect our customers to ideas, resources and opportunities.