For the most up to date information on the Mono County Libraries Makerspace, please visit our Instagram or Facebook or sign up for our email newsletter using this form or in person by adding your email to the Maker Program Waiver (available during Makerspace open hours).
The Mono County Library System’s dedicated Makerspace is located on the 2nd floor of the Mammoth Lakes Library. It strives to provide an inclusive, hands-on learning environment for community members from school age through adulthood. It’s a safe place for engaging in a variety of creative projects. While periodic maker activities happen in library branches countywide, by providing a free, drop-in space at the Mammoth Lakes Library, the Makerspace provides youth, families, and adults with opportunities for collaboration, innovation, independence and self-empowerment in a purpose-designed, supportive space.
A participation waiver and the completion of Makerspace Orientation is required for ALL participants, including chaperones, who wish to use the space during open hours. Patrons under 18 require a waiver signed by their legal guardian. Students in 3rd grade and below require an actively participating chaperone at all times while inside the Makerspace.
Due to the nature of tools and activities in the Makerspace, children must be Kindergarten age (5 or older) to participate even with the required chaperone. Children under 5 years old are NOT allowed in the Makerspace. Check out the Wee Make Cart at the circulation desk for art-making options that are age appropriate for children under 5 for use in the Children’s Program Room.
Due to physical constraints and to help maintain a safe and creative environment during open hours, the Makerspace operates at a limited capacity (typically 10 participants at a time). This includes adult chaperones.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is the Makerspace Located?
The Mammoth Library Makerspace is located on the second story of the Mammoth Lakes Library (400 Sierra Park Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546).
When are you open?
Mammoth Library Makerspace hours:
OCTOBER:
Adults and youth (ages 5+): Tuesdays and Wednesdays 2:00 - 5:00
Adults only: Thursdays 10:30 - 2:00 and 3:00 - 6:30
NOVEMBER:
Adults and youth (ages 5+): Tuesdays 2:00 - 5:00
Young adult crafting circle (grades 6-8): Wednesdays 3:30 - 4:45
Adults only: Thursdays 10:30 - 2:00 and 3:00 - 6:30
What kind of activities and projects do you have?
The Makerspace has a variety of materials and tools. Some popular activities and equipment include:
- Sewing (we have sewing machines that staff can help you to use!)
- Gear repair (visit our gear repair locker, where we have Gore Tex patches, silicone tent sealant, shock cord, and much more!)
- Watercolor painting
- Drawing and coloring
- Origami, cardmaking, and other paper crafts
- Recycled material construction (the most popular activity for kids - hot glue odds ‘n ends together and let your imagination run wild!)
- Felting, embroidery, and other fiber arts
- Jewelry making
- Air dry clay
- Wood burning (AKA pyrography)
- Some materials, such as small pieces of fabric, thread, paper, cardboard, etc are provided but because most Makerspace materials are donated we ask that you conserve materials. You can always bring in your own materials to use in your projects!
Who can come to the Makerspace? Do I need to have a library card to participate?
Anyone above 5 years old is welcome to participate with a signed participation waiver. Children in 3rd grade and below may participate with an actively participating adult chaperone. Due to the nature of tools and activities in the space, children younger than 5 are not allowed in the Makerspace, even with a chaperone.
You do not need a library card to participate, or be a Mono County resident! Visitors are welcome.
Are there any Maker opportunities if I can't come in during the drop-in hours?
Yes! Come check out our Makerspace Book Collection and Check-Out Kits on the 2nd Floor of the Mammoth Lakes Library. Check-out Kits cover a variety of skills and supplies, such as experimenting with watercolor techniques or crocheting a beanie. Both Maker books and Check-Out Kits can be placed on hold and transferred to another branch.
Maker Kits To-Go (previously available during quarantine) are no longer available, however the PDF instructions for these kits are now available here!
What are Makerspace Orientations?
Makerspace Orientations are a new participant intake practice implemented October 1, 2023. Makerspace Orientation consists of two parts: 1) a sit-down conversation with the Mono County Maker Program Coordinator and Library Director where participants are informed of Makerspace rules and guidelines and 2) an in-depth tour of the Makerspace and all its tools and materials. The Orientation gives participants a chance to ask questions about rules and policies, make suggestions, express concerns, and be given an introductory explanation of the most common crafting equipment in the Makerspace. The intention of the Orientation is to provide participants with the knowledge of the “rules and tools” of the space to empower makers in their creative projects within the Makerspace. ALL participants MUST complete a Makerspace Orientation before entering the Makerspace. Makerspace Orientations are not required for special event workshops or maker program activities at other branches.
Do you accept donations?
We are currently not accepting donations.
Does the Makerspace need volunteers?
Please click here to find our volunteer application, fill it out and bring it into the Makerspace during our open hours and we will contact you about opportunities.
The Makerspace also has paid substitute positions. Inquire during open hours to learn more.
What is the best way to get in contact with the Makerspace?
Send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the library at 760.934.4777.
