On the first floor of Kresge Library, the Oakland University Makerspace offers a unique environment for members of the OU community to answer the call to create. Spools of filament spin, sewing machines whir and students gather around shared worktables, turning creative inspiration into tangible art and objects of functional utility.

According to the OU Libraries, the Makerspace works to support creativity and experiential learning regardless of major or skill level. The library describes it as a place where users can “learn by doing,” with engineering students prototyping class projects alongside art majors working with textiles and new participants stopping by for drop-in hours.

Built for collaboration and experimentation, the Makerspace was founded in October 2017 as part of OU Libraries’ effort to support hands-on learning across disciplines. Following pandemic-related closure and staffing issues, the space reopened in March 2025 under the management of Makerspace Coordinator Drew Ulmer. 

“You can sit down, ask for help, and work with other people who are also creative,” Ulmer said. “I don’t know if you’ve ever tried to cut out a perfect circle with a pair of scissors – it doesn’t go well. Having a machine able to do it for you makes life a lot easier.”

Designed as an open-access environment, the space invites students, faculty and staff to design, prototype and invent using tools that might otherwise be out of reach. Three 3D printers, sewing and embroidery machines, a Cricut cutting machine, button makers and a sticker printer anchor the space, along with a wide variety of hand tools and craft supplies.

All supplies and materials are free for students, faculty and staff to use.

“Anything that you can think of, we have, and if we don’t have it, there’s a good chance we’ll get it,” Ulmer said.

Among the Makerspace’s key community-building efforts are Crafternoons, a weekly event held Fridays from noon to 5 p.m. The open studio time encourages participants to bring any project or idea and work alongside others.

“We started Crafternoons a few months ago as a way to bring community into the Makerspace,” Ulmer said. “We have a lot of faculty and staff that come down during the day to relax a little bit and stop staring at screens, and they’ve actually been a big help with students. It’s a way for everyone to be able to use the space, whether it’s for class, for fun, for projects, to hang out with friends – anything, really.”

The Makerspace also employs knowledgeable student workers who assist visitors. Issa Batarseh, an OU senior majoring in cybersecurity engineering, began working in the space earlier this semester.

“Staff work with you to plan out how you can do whatever it is you want to do,” Batarseh said. “Anything you can imagine – people come in with ideas, and you can really go wild with your creativity.”

The space supports academic work as well. Batarseh explained that students often utilize Makerspace amenities for class projects that require 3D printing and other technical aptitudes, such as a project for a cybersecurity class of his which involved developing parts for drones.

“We worked with drones and needed a battery holder, so I 3D-printed one,” he said. “Here, you can just think of it and do it.”

Events such as 3D printing and sewing and embroidery training are hosted to instruct and educate students in developing tangible design, engineering and creative manufacturing skills with various tools and machines.

Beyond weekly programming, the Makerspace plans to host future workshops teaching proper tool operation for specific skills such as belt making, bookmark crafting and candle-making. Registration in advance is required, but event materials and attendance remain free.

The Makerspace is open for drop-in hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays during Crafternoons. The space recently expanded its schedule, hosting its first weekend opening Saturday, Jan. 24.

“If I’m here and the lights are on, you are welcome to come in, relax, work on a project or just hang out,” Ulmer said.