Cameron Public Library Selected as Charter Member of Makerspaces Project

Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft and the Missouri State Library Friday announced the Cameron Public Library has been selected to be a charter member of the New Face of Library Makerspaces by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

The Cameron Public Library started their makerspace program with a grant from the Missouri State Library in 2018. Since that time, they have continued to build their program.

In announcing the designation in a release Secretary Ashcroft said “Libraries have become our town squares. They are social places where people can come together, meet and participate. Our public libraries are a way in which we actualize potential. Makerspaces allow for endless possibilities in our communities; they encourage innovation, creativity and are especially valuable to our youth.”

State Librarian Robin Westphal added “There is an obvious link between STEM programming and learning by doing that is critical to child development. Public libraries, in collaboration with schools, play an important role in fostering a love for science, technology, engineering and math.”

The New Face of Library Makerspaces project, which aims to build a diverse national collective of library makerspace professionals, will begin with a backbone group of institutional charter members who will work together to define the vision and values of this new organization, and design the first platforms for interaction, resources sharing, collaboration and networking.

Cameron Public Library was chosen as a charter member from amongst 31 applicants and is the only library in the state of Missouri to be chosen.