The library as classroom is such a wonderful and exciting topic. I am a former middle school teacher (yes, I know… crazy). I taught for 20 years and loved it. But I was ready to shift where my energy went and imagine a new way to be an educator. Libraries offer a space to engage kids with learning in a novel way! While the industrial revolution and changes in our country in the 20th century opened up education for all kids, it also created a limited way of learning. Many liken the current educational system to a factory, producing the same kid with the same specifications, regardless of their passions or unique learning needs (History is Now, 2026).
Technology offers one space where libraries can shine as learning environments. Creating opportunities for patrons to engage with information through online courses, blogs, or social media are just one way that we can redefine learning (Matthews, 2013). My local library offers book recommendations based on patron questions via their Instagram stories.
Physical libraries are increasingly spaces where patrons can engage in dynamic learning. Adults and kids alike can learn to 3D print, kids can meet animals, and art happens in busy spaces (Multnomah County Library, 2026). Libraries are also branching out and making the outdoors an extended classroom! Partnering with science museums and story walks are just a few ways to bring learning outdoors (Lloyd Bookey, 2015).
This is the 3D popup lab at my local library, Multnomah County Library – Albina, where I volunteer every week. The library wanted to open the program up so more people could learn to 3D print. By bringing on 3 volunteers each week, the library was able to remove the required prerequisite course. We can help those who have no experience, and support those who are more advanced. It is an amazing program and I’m proud to be a part of it.
References
Impact of the industrial Revolution on Education: From Factories to Classrooms. (2026, June 16). History Is Now Magazine. https://www.historyisnowmagazine.com/blog/2024/3/28/impact-of-the-industrial-revolution-on-education-from-factories-to-classrooms
Lloyd Bookey, J. (2015, April 29). 8 Awesome Ways Libraries Are Making Learning Fun | HuffPost Latest News. HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/8-awesome-ways-libraries_b_7157462
Mathews, B. (2013, September 5). Curating Learning Experiences: A Future Role For Librarians? The Chronicle of Higher Education. https://www.chronicle.com/blognetwork/theubiquitouslibrarian/curating-learning-experiences-a-future-role-for-librarians
Multnomah County Library. (2026). Events & Classes. https://multcolib.org/events-classes
@vbrownsmith this is a wonderful idea that your library is engaging in. I have never 3-D printed anything, but I have seen them at work and at our Iowa State Fair and they are fascinating machines! While my academic library cannot afford to have a 3-D printer for our makerspace, the possibilities of learning with it are endless. Having volunteers around to help with the program also fosters those community connections which we talked about a lot in this class. I would be curious as to how your library set up the program, who provides the materials for the printers and so on. I would love to see my public library do something similar. This class has given us so many ideas of how to grow the library into a valuable community resource that not only houses books, but so much more!