Library News

Warren Library Receives $25,000 Gift from Trumbull 100 for New Makerspace

(04/14/2023) – The Warren-Trumbull County Public Library (W-TCPL) is the recipient of a $25,000 grant award from the Trumbull 100 organization to help fund a new Makerspace initiative at the Warren Library, 444 Mahoning Ave. NW.

Thanks to a gift from the Bland family, the Trumbull 100 reached out to W-TCPL Executive Director Jim Wilkins about helping fund an ongoing community partnership. Wilkins said library staff had identified a need for a Makerspace in the community and now welcome the opportunity to move ahead with creation of a hands-on technology and training space.

“We are very happy that the Trumbull 100 has stepped forward to partner with the library for this Makerspace initiative,” Wilkins said. “Their support and expertise will ensure that we are providing resources, training, and classes to help patrons pursue their career and business goals.”

The Makerspace will include photography and sound equipment, a 3-D printer, and more technology tools along with trained library staff available to assist and lead classes.

In addition to a dedicated space that will provide hands-on access to a variety of equipment, the project will feature ongoing classes and presentations for job-seekers and entrepreneurs.

“We believe the Makerspace will encourage creation, collaboration, and innovation in a way that everyone in the community can access,” Wilkins said.

The Makerspace will be housed on the second floor of the Warren Library in the former Thomas Meeting Room space.

Construction of the Makerspace is part of a library project that will also include window replacement throughout the building and creation of office space for the library’s new Community Engagement Department.

VendRick Construction of Brookfield is expected to begin the library renovations by the end of April, with anticipated completion in early fall of 2023. Makerspace classes are tentatively scheduled to begin in January 2024.

The W-TCPL includes locations in Brookfield, Cortland, Howland, Liberty, Lordstown, and Warren; a Bookmobile; and Library-by-Mail service.

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For more information, contact: Cheryl Bush, Marketing & Public Relations Manager, at bushc@wtcpl.org.