A future for public libraries: Takeaways from our Make-a-thek community activation event
How do we envision the future of circular makerspaces in libraries? Make-a-thek project is launching to explore the future of libraries to host circular makerspaces and explore circular fashion, traditional crafts, and local innovation.
On July 2nd, Fab Lab Barcelona, in collaboration with the pilot library team at Biblioteca Camp de l’Arpa here in Barcelona, hosted the Make-a-thek community activation event. The gathering brought together 30 curious minds around a long table at La Clandestina de Poblenou.
This event marks the launch of an ambitious project funded by the European Union, bringing together 9 international partners over the next 3 years.
In a city tied between tradition and transformation, Barcelona’s craft and fashion sectors find themselves navigating a common space, acknowledging heritage while longing for creation and a shared infrastructure. Make-a-thek rises to meet that need, a community-rooted project envisioning a library that can drive community driven innovation through a shared material library, circular making practices, and cultural space to come together.
These future-forward spaces aim to offer tools, workshops, and open resources that support circularity, creativity, and collaboration, while strengthening local economies and aligning with New European Bauhaus values.
Learn more at makeathek.eu
Weaving new threads
What better way to get all opinions to a table than for a shared Merienda (afternoon snack time)?
The first, in person Make-a-thek event was designed to kick-start a co-creation process with local stakeholders. A soft launch to open a space for shared intentions, curious minds, dialogue and food at the table. A circle of humans dreaming up what the future of shared craft spaces could look like, in Barcelona and elsewhere in Europe.
Our activity highlights
- Spinning our introduction net
To introduce themselves, all participants would stand in a circle. A yarn was passed around, whoever had it could introduce themselves; where they do and why they are here. Afterwards the person would pass on the yarn to a person of their choice, creating a web of unseen connections. A creative way of showing how our practices, passions, and places are already interwoven. - “What’s on your plate?”
A collaborative drawing activity using a tablecloth as a canvas. Participants illustrated what matters most to them at this moment directly on the tablecloth, guided by four reflective prompts:- What materials do I use or have access to?
- Which tools or technologies am I comfortable with?
- What knowledge or craft do I bring to the table?
- Who are my communities and collaborators?
- The Merienda
Simple, locally-sourced snacks created the connection for the gathering. Conversations loosened. Eyes met. As one prompt asked: What do you bring to the table?, the metaphor became literal, making knowledge, tools, techniques, and lived experience, all offerings. The deeper question was left last as the main thread of reflection to remain as the project continues: With whom would you like to share your plate?
What emerged from the day
People want to be actively included in the process of defining this project
Being invited from the start matters. Participation felt meaningful because it was mutual.
Diversity as a design principle
When 60-year-old seamstresses sit beside 25-year-old fashion hackers, something rare happens: reciprocal learning. Generational exchange builds cultural depth.
Food serving more than one purpose
Shared eating softened the tone and gave people the opportunity to exchange ideas in smaller groups. The energy shifted from ‘meeting’ to ‘community’ with every bite.
Reflection must be built-in
Future activations should include space to adapt, evolve, and deepen engagement, not as an afterthought, but as core practice.
The network is the soil
We look forward to continuing to nurture this emerging ecosystem of contributors. The Bibliotheka will only flourish if grown from the ground up, with care.
The next make-a-thek gathering will be held on October 16–17 at Fab Lab Barcelona – IAAC, as part of Barcelona Design Week. Come shape what’s next!
Visit the makeathek.eu and follow @makeathek to stay in the loop!
#makeathek #UrbanCircularity #CircularEconomy #NewEuropeanBauhaus #PublicLibraries #Crafts #Fashion #Innovation #Sustainability #EUProject #horizonproject
