LSTA Spotlight: Mobile Maker Lab at Carteret County Public Library
Addressing the accessibility gap through a Mobile Maker Lab
Every other month we showcase a LSTA grant project from a North Carolina library. This month we are featuring a conversation with grant project manager Dorothy Howell, Director of Carteret County Public Library. Thanks to SLNC staff member’s Courtney Brown and Will Schwagiel for contributing this story.
Please note that this grant project was completed in fiscal year 2023-24 before Executive Order dated March 14, 2025 was issued calling for the reduction of the Institute of Museum and Libraries Services to statutory requirements and the subsequent termination of many grant programs. While SLNC has received all expected federal funds for 2024-25, the availability of future LSTA grants is uncertain. See our website to learn more about the potential impact changes in federal funding could have for North Carolina libraries and cultural organizations.
Q&A with Dorothy Howell, Director at Carteret County Public Library
Our LSTA-funded project, the Mobile Maker Lab, aimed to democratize access to STEAM education across diverse community demographics. By integrating interactive makerspaces like the 3D Printer Lab, Sewing Lab, and Engineering Lab, the project sought to enhance community engagement through hands-on learning and creativity. Targeted at patrons of all ages, from schoolchildren to seniors, the initiative hosted various workshops such as the Community Quilt Project and Wonders of Engineering, designed to foster a blend of artistic expression and scientific inquiry, thereby nurturing a culture of lifelong learning within our community.
How did the idea for this grant project come about?
The idea originated from recognizing a gap in accessible STEAM resources within our community. We noticed a strong interest in hands-on, experiential learning that wasn't fully catered to by existing programs, particularly in the realms of technology and the arts. Our goal was to create a versatile, mobile resource that could bring these opportunities directly to people across our library's service areas, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, could benefit from innovative educational tools and programs. A key inspiration came from a local family who frequently visited the library in search of hands-on experiments—activities that not only engaged their children but encouraged them to explore more within the library. Their curiosity and enthusiasm underscored the need for programming that bridges learning and play, and helped shape the vision for the Mobile Maker Lab.
What has been the impact of this project in your community?
The impact of the Mobile Maker Lab has been profound and multifaceted. It has significantly increased engagement with the library, drawing in people who may not typically visit. For instance, the sewing and quilting workshops have attracted a diverse group of participants, many of whom have started frequenting the library for other resources. Additionally, The introductions of the Engineer and Gamer's labs sparked an interest in digital literacy and has been pivotal in helping patrons develop new skills that are critical in today’s tech-driven world. These spaces have become hubs for innovation and interaction within the library, attracting a broad spectrum of our community—from young students to adult hobbyists. The Engineer Lab, with its hands-on activities using LEGO® and Magna-Tiles, has been instrumental in sparking an interest in mechanical design and engineering principles among participants. Meanwhile, the Gamer's Lab, featuring the latest in virtual gaming and interactive technologies like the Nintendo Switch, has become a favorite for both education and recreation, enhancing digital literacy and problem-solving skills among users. These labs have not only increased engagement with the library’s resources but have also played a critical role in equipping our patrons with essential skills in a tech-driven world. Furthermore, our collaboration with community partners like The Nature School, which borrowed our Sphero robots to host a month-long robotics lab, underscores the project's reach and influence beyond the library, extending valuable STEM resources to local educational settings.
What are your future plans for this project?
Going forward, we plan to expand the Mobile Maker Lab’s reach by introducing more specialized equipment and workshops tailored to emerging community interests and technological advancements. We also aim to enhance our partnerships with local schools and community centers to further integrate the lab’s resources into regular educational curriculums and after-school programs, thereby solidifying the library’s role as an essential educational hub in the community.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
We are incredibly proud of the community’s response to the Mobile Maker Lab and are grateful for the support from the LSTA grant that made this project possible. We’ve seen firsthand how these resources can transform learning and creativity, and we are committed to continuing to innovate and adapt our services to meet the evolving needs of our patrons. We look forward to seeing how the lab will continue to inspire and educate our community in the years to come.
Learn more about LSTA grant opportunities and guidelines by visiting our website. Additional questions can be sent to Catherine Prince, Federal Programs Consultant.
LSTA grant awards are made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. LSTA grants are awarded in response to specific needs of North Carolina’s public and academic libraries. These federal funds are investments that help libraries deliver relevant and up-to-date services to their communities.
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