Inspiration in Action: Community Learning and Shared Tools will launch Inspire & Share, the inaugural shared-equipment collection for the new Library makerspace at North Hastings Inspiration Place.
L.E.A.F. funding will purchase durable equipment for textile work, practical making, bicycle maintenance, growing and digital storytelling, along with accessible tools, safety resources, secure storage and selected shared-access kits. Town of Bancroft and North Hastings Public Library staff will jointly select the equipment, develop programming and implement the initiative.
The collection will be introduced through 20 practical, community-led programs delivered primarily in the accessible Community Room. Residents will receive demonstrations, introductory instruction and guided hands-on learning, with no previous experience required. Programs may involve local makers, gardeners, artists, repairers, storytellers and community organizations sharing their knowledge.
Between programs, equipment will be housed in the Library makerspace for continued programming, supervised learning and partner-led activities. Following orientation, selected lower-risk tools may also be offered through approved lending or shared-access procedures. Inspire & Share will reduce barriers by allowing residents to explore tools and skills without purchasing specialized equipment. Participants can move from introductions to continued practice, building confidence at their own pace. Shared access will encourage creativity, repair, reuse, self-reliance and resourcefulness.
The initiative will support intergenerational knowledge exchange, allowing residents to be both learners and contributors. Participation and feedback will help staff assess demand, accessibility and future opportunities. The equipment and community relationships developed will remain beyond the funding period. The initiative will build on approximately 1,256 active Library patrons while remaining publicly accessible.
The new North Hastings Public Library creates an opportunity for accessible, hands-on community learning that did not exist in the former Library.
The previous location was not physically accessible and lacked the space and infrastructure required for regular practical group programming. North Hastings Inspiration Place now provides an accessible Community Room, a purpose-built Library makerspace and flexible public spaces where residents can learn, make and connect.
An accessible building becomes a meaningful community resource when residents have the equipment, programming and support needed to use it.
Inspire & Share will establish a foundational makerspace collection and activate it through 20 practical learning programs. The Community Room will accommodate larger introductory classes and demonstrations. Between programs, the equipment will remain in the Library makerspace for continued programming, supervised learning and future partner-led activities.
The project will build on a proven regional audience. The Library serves approximately 1,256 active patrons, and nearly one-third of 2026 borrowing activity is associated with surrounding municipalities. Inspire & Share will therefore expand learning opportunities for an existing multigenerational and regional user base rather than relying on an untested audience.
This is particularly valuable in a rural region where cost, transportation, equipment storage and limited access to specialized learning can create barriers. Shared equipment increases access to tools and technology that many households may use too infrequently to purchase individually.
The project will build practical skills, strengthen community connections and establish a lasting public learning resource. It will ensure the new facility delivers meaningful, enduring value for residents across the region.
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As an early childhood educator, I understand the importance of creating enrichment opportunities for our youngest citizens to build skills and friendships.
I helped build this amazing space and cant wait to share all of the opportunities the maker space will bring to our community!
We need a place like this. It’s hard growing up in a small town with. I need to resources like this. I am the youngest 5, and need to learn how to cook.
Community Futures is pleased to support this space that will allow for makers to utilize and access different technology to generate creative endeavours.
I’m 15 and would love to learn how to fix my bike, and have a place to hang out with my friends while we learn stuff!
I have been waiting for the new library and can’t wait to use the makerspace. Reading is not my favourite thing- but I like to build things. This would be good.