Posted on: April 20, 2026
The Library Makerspace has had a lively semester, with hands‑on events, new and old partnerships, and several exciting changes to the space. From student groups hosting drop‑in events to community repair events, these activities highlight the Makerspace’s role as a welcoming, collaborative environment for learning through making.
Events and Community Engagement
This semester brought a wide range of events to the Makerspace, drawing strong participation from students and campus partners.
On January 28, the Makerspace hosted Buttons and Bystanders, a button‑making drop‑in co‑hosted with the Sexualized Violence Prevention and Response Office. Participants created custom buttons while learning about bystander intervention and how individuals can safely support others in moments of harm or risk.
The following day, January 29, the Student Wildlife Club hosted a stamp‑making drop‑in that proved extremely popular. The event filled the space quickly, with some participants setting up on the floor so everyone could take part. The enthusiasm and creativity on display made it a memorable afternoon.
On March 12, the Makerspace partnered once again with the Kamloops Repair Café and the TRU Sustainability Office to host the TRU Repair Café. A total of 86 items were brought in by community members, and 54 of them were successfully repaired. We are deeply appreciative of the volunteer fixers whose skills and generosity make these events possible and help keep useful items out of the landfill.
The Makerspace also hosted Indigenous Education Transitions events on March 23, welcoming Métis students for an hour‑long introduction to the space. Two additional Transitions tours are scheduled for April with Indigenous students from across the province.
Art and Community in the Space
One long‑anticipated project was completed this term with the hanging of the Art and Community collaborative quilt in the Makerspace. Created last year by students in Twyla Exner’s Art in Community Class, it’s made up of individual fabric squares designed by students, staff and faculty. We are delighted to finally have this vibrant, community‑centred artwork on display.
New Equipment and Space Changes
Several updates to equipment and organization have made the Makerspace even more functional and inviting.
- A rigid heddle weaving loom has been added and is now set up and ready for use. This addition expands textile and fibre art opportunities for users interested in weaving.
- A new zine‑making station is also available, developed in collaboration with a wonderful student named Gouda. The current kit supports small‑scale zine creation, with plans to expand the materials and tools this spring.
- The Makerspace has purchased a small CNC machine, and staff are currently working through planning and safety considerations to determine how it will be made available to users. This process will take some time, but anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to speak with the Makerspace Librarian.
- The textile room has been reorganized to make materials easier to find. Sewing and serging supplies are now separated from embroidery and knitting materials, allowing users to locate what they need more quickly and intuitively.
- Finally, the book loan period for Makerspace materials has been extended from three days to two weeks. This change supports longer projects and provides greater flexibility for users.
Thank you to everyone who participated in events, shared skills, contributed artwork and helped shape the Makerspace as a creative and community‑focused space. We look forward to more making, learning and collaboration in the months ahead.
For more information on the Makerspace, please reach out to Franklin Sayre, MLIS, at fsayre@tru.ca.
All photos courtesy of Franklin Sayre, Makerspace Librarian
