TOOLKIT PILLAR
machines & materials
MAKE-A-THEK machines
Tools for creative making - from digital fabrication to textile machines - and guidance on how to use them responsibly, exploring what can be made, how to handle materials with care, and how to embrace circular and environmentally sustainable practices.
A quick way to assessthe level of your library
The assessment questionnaire helps your library understand where it stands in the process of developing a creative space. By answering a few simple questions, you’ll receive tailored suggestions, tools, and case studies that match your current context. It also highlights key areas for improvement and allows you to track your progress over time - supporting continuous development, no matter your starting point.
What You’ll Achieve
The questionnaire maps your library’s experience across four key areas: Spaces, Machines & Tools, Activities, and Community.
Each area is placed within one of three evolving phases:
Beginner (exploration and learning), Intermediate (growth and improvement), and Advanced (innovation, autonomy, long-term vision).
What matters most is not the level itself, but embracing the process - learning by doing and evolving step by step.
make-a-thek Wall organizer
How to create a simple wall organizer using fabric and a sewing machine - ideal for building basic skills.
download resource
Booking system
A printable poster tool to help manage the booking of machines and/or spaces.
download resource
Machines cards tool
A set of cards to introduce key machines: features, pros and cons, required skills, and approximate costs.
download resource
You are a Master of Machines!
Share your best practices on how you've developed your team's skills and managed machines and equipment to serve your community effectively. You will receive guidelines to share your experience on the make-a-thek platform.
download resource
machines & materials resources
Not sure which resources to explore or download? We’re here to help. Take the questionnaire to assess your level, and we’ll recommend the most suitable activities for your needs.
Start with what’s available. Basic tools and materials that allow simple making and experimentation, chosen with community interests in mind and positioned to encourage sustainable, circular practices.
Build a more versatile toolset and material collection; offer clearer instructions and support to users to increase confidence and skill, and start using machines and materials in more intentional, creative ways.
Your equipment and materials strategy supports a wide range of activities; machines are well‑maintained, skills are shared, and materials are sourced and used with sustainability and circularity at the core.
make-a-thek Wall organizer
How to create a simple wall organizer using fabric and a sewing machine - ideal for building basic skills.
download resource
Booking system
A printable poster tool to help manage the booking of machines and/or spaces.
download resource
Machines cards tool
A set of cards to introduce key machines: features, pros and cons, required skills, and approximate costs.
download resource
You are a Master of Machines!
Share your best practices on how you've developed your team's skills and managed machines and equipment to serve your community effectively. You will receive guidelines to share your experience on the make-a-thek platform.
download resource