For example, things like:

3D printers,

laser cutters,

sewing machines,

welding equipment,

woodworking tools,

CNC mills,

design software….

The makerspace needs investment from businesses, educational institutions as well as from the government. Makerspaces do require significant investment in terms of tools and the facility itself. Why would businesses benefit from investing in a makerspace? Because businesses benefit when their workers use their free time to improve their skills. If the makerspace was connected within the library system in partnership with local schools and/or colleges and/or other institutions, we could ensure we'd maintain the “library” spirit of shared knowledge with the efforts of continuous learning.

  Within the makerspace, people would be able to learn new skills through classes that are taught at the makerspace by experts and volunteers. Classes could be on anything people wanted to learn – how to build a circuit, how to write computer code, how to build your own woodworking jigs, how to weld steel or aluminum, how to build a motor. Clubs or groups can be created around similar interests so people can learn from each other and share projects they are working on. One of the best ways to learn and build new skills is to plan a project and try to build it.

  Access to tools and access to the classes should be free. Take for example the skill of welding... If a barrier to someone learning to weld is not having money for a class or not being able to find a job willing to train them, that easily solvable problem could make the difference between being employable and being homeless. Teach a person a valuable skill they want to learn for free, and they are much better equipped to be able to contribute to our community and to our economy.

  Give people the right tools, give people the right skills, and we can solve any problem and build a better future.

This is where innovation will come from!