Welcome to the Create and Connect Maker Space: Unleash Your Creativity
Our project request will enable the library to provide opportunities for creative
exploration to all residents of the community. The Leeds and the Thousand
Islands area is abundant with craft professionals and hobbyists. If the library
were successful with our L.E.A.F. Grant application, we would be excited to
explore even more partnerships with our community members as we continue to
strengthen relationships with our existing ones.
We have a desire to re-invent the space in our Lansdowne branch as a
Makerspace. As always, there is a commitment to ensure resources are equally
available to all branches in the Leeds and the Thousand Islands Public Library
System.
The Create and Connect Makerspace will also be used as an opportunity to
provide intergenerational programs (“Expert in Residence” series) to learn and
share together, creating experiences and memories along with life-long learning
in the inclusive space which the library provides. In the Fall of 2025, we introduced our
our “Gardener in Residence” series which showcases food literacy by incorporating home grown product from the community garden in Lansdowne.
The 4 Cs of Makerspace (Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and
Communication) illustrates that age is not a restriction to the endless possibilities
for a community to be successful. Makerspaces also create community culture
and engagement in a shared learning environment through real-world
applications provided in an all-inclusive space for creative expression.
Recent community surveys (both conducted by the library and the municipal
recreational working group) have stated the need and desire for a maker
space. Leeds and the Thousand Islands Public Library, through municipal
funding has a programming budget which provides makerspace and STEM
type programs, but a L.E.A.F initiated grant will greatly enhance these
programs into a physical space which will take us to the next level of
programs which we can offer and also build on in the future.
The societal and community impact of Makerspaces reveals how we approach
education, community engagement and economic development, bringing
people together from diverse backgrounds, encouraging collaboration and
knowledge sharing.
As the physical infrastructure is being updated in our growing community, we
have a responsibility to update our social infrastructure as well, and including
a Makerspace in our library will make this a reality.
support
Your voice matters. Show your support for submitted projects by leaving a comment, sharing your story or photo, or posting to social media. Every bit of encouragement helps communities grow stronger together.
Help us build a Maker Space at Leeds and the Thousand Islands Public Library.