Colorado Springs – The Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) announced an expansion of operating hours for its makerspaces and studio areas, giving patrons the ability to use equipment even when staff are not on site. The move follows a pilot at the East Library that began in September and is now being rolled out to Library 21c and Sand Creek Library.

Extended hours meet community demand

“Patrons have been asking for more time in the makerspaces and studios,” said Becca Cruz, PPLD director of strategy and innovation, in a press release. “We have found a way to meet the demand within our budget. We’re excited to offer this new concept to our patrons.”

The new schedule allows certified users to reserve equipment during the library’s regular open‑door hours without a staff member present. This gives families, students and hobbyists greater flexibility to work on projects after school, work or other commitments.

How to qualify for unstaffed access

To take advantage of the extended hours, patrons must meet three requirements:

• Hold a valid PPLD library card in good standing for at least 90 days.
• Complete the required certification classes for the specific makerspace or studio equipment.
• Reserve a time slot through the library’s online reservation system.

Once certified, users can book machines such as 3‑D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines and other creative tools. The reservation system ensures that equipment is available and that safety protocols are followed, even when staff are not physically present.

Supporting education and entrepreneurship

The expansion aligns with PPLD’s broader mission to provide educational resources that strengthen families and the local economy. By offering more flexible access, the library hopes to foster hands‑on learning, support small‑business entrepreneurs and give parents a constructive outlet for their children’s creativity.

Local educators have praised the initiative, noting that after‑school access to makerspaces can complement classroom instruction and help students develop STEM skills. “Having the ability to work on projects after school hours is a game‑changer for our students,” said a teacher at a nearby high school who asked to remain unnamed.

What’s next for PPLD makerspaces

PPLD plans to monitor usage patterns and gather feedback from users to fine‑tune the schedule. Additional training sessions will be offered throughout the fall to ensure that more community members can become certified.

For full details on certification requirements, reservation procedures and the specific hours for each location, visit the PPLD website.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.