SAN DIEGO PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION

The san diego public library offers 12 idea labs across the 37-branch system, the labs are built to be makerspaces for patrons to innovate, discover, experience and achieve and overall inspire an interest in science, technology, design, and 21st century skills. In each of these idea labs, patrons of varying ages can work together, alone, or with library staff on creative projects. The goal of a makerspace is to allow patrons to learn through direct experimentation and from each other. This is directly in line with the san diego public library's mission: to inspire lifelong learning through connections to knowledge and each other. Idea labs do not require users to have a library card and the type of equipment varies across the san diego public library. The legler benbough teen idea lab, located inside the valencia park/malcolm x branch library, offers advanced technology and training programs for teens ages 12 to 18, and prides it's self as being a space designed to provide youth with the opportunity to build job skills in a range of areas, by including a recording studio as well as 3d printers, a die cut machine, and imac computers.. The idea lab is at the san ysidro library location and is focused on digital textile arts and features a, die cut machine, sewing/embroidery machines, serger, button maker and a heat press. The pacific highlands ranch library idea lab focuses on prop and set design; a theme inspired by community conversations held by the library. Our makerspace features include a glowforge laser cutter, 24" desktop cutting machine, a 3d scanner and a dye sublimation machine. At the central library, the idea lab also contains equipment that can digitize photos, slides, negatives, and documents; 8mm and super 8 film; and various video formats. In fiscal year 2024, the idea lab hosted nearly 6,000 people in programs related to the idea lab equipment which yielded 1,285 ideas to life, including more than 200 sewing projects, more than 1,700 3d prints made, and 532 laser engravings and cuts. Across the san diego public library system, idea lab staff see patrons using these spaces in a range of ways including fashion design, diy brides and grooms, trace students. Scout troops, e3 scholars, new school of architecture student projects, and patrons looking to learn something new. One notable outcome from the idea lab at the central library is the launch of the clean shave, a business that founded by navy veterans at the central library and went to market in 2025. The co-founders came into the idea lab with drawings and over the course of a year, completed a prototype in the lab. The access to makerspaces with 3d printers and laser cutters made the start of this business possible for these veterans. Another is the sewing program that has taught patrons to sew and have donated dozens of pillowcases to ryan's case for smiles.