Magnolia’s Malcolm Purvis Library celebrated the opening of its new makerspace on Nov. 9, expanding the Montgomery County Memorial Library System’s commitment to 21st‑century learning. The innovation space gives patrons free access to a Cricut cutting machine, embroidery equipment and 3D printers, while offering hands‑on science activities, STEM kits, robotics coding and a large touchscreen video wall designed especially for children.
Community‑focused technology
Executive Director of the library system, Janna Hoglund, said the space is intended to motivate people of all ages “to come and learn new 21st century skills.” She emphasized that “learning computers and being able to operate technology is extremely important, because everywhere you go, every step of our life, it is technology based.” The goal, according to Hoglund, is not only to serve adults but also to inspire children to explore, create and collaborate.
Funding and future expansion
The project, which cost about $40,000, was funded with support from the Magnolia Economic Development Corporation. Library staff rearranged more than 60,000 books to make room for the new equipment, according to library manager Kallie Yoars. “We could not emphasize enough how much this means to us here at the library,” Yoars said. “This space has completely changed Magnolia.”
Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough praised the initiative at the ceremony, noting that providing such resources “is what keeps us ahead of the game.” He warned that “if a person has not embraced technology in this culture, it is becoming like being illiterate.”
How to use the makerspace
Patrons who wish to use the equipment must attend a brief orientation specific to each machine—Cricut, embroidery or 3D printer—before they can reserve time. Orientation schedules are posted on the library system’s website, and reservations can be made by calling the innovation space desk at 936‑538‑8329. While the Cricut and embroidery machines are free to use, a small fee applies for 3D‑printing filament.
Looking ahead
The Malcolm Purvis Library is the second branch to receive an innovation space; the first was the Kevin Brady Library in February. The library system plans to add two more makerspaces each year, with the next locations slated for the R.F. Meador Library in Willis and the Central Library in Conroe.
Local families, hobbyists and entrepreneurs are already planning projects ranging from custom apparel to prototype parts. By offering cutting‑edge tools at little or no cost, the makerspace aims to nurture a culture of creativity, skill‑building and economic opportunity right here in Magnolia.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
