It’s National Libray Week. Celebrate by Exploring the Interactive Maker Spaces and Crafting Libraries of Western North Carolina

Imagine a library where the shelves overflow with tools and touchable materials instead of just books. As National Library Week (April 6 - 12) unfolds, we invite you to explore the interactive maker spaces and crafting libraries of Asheville and Western North Carolina, where traditional notions of learning take a backseat to hands-on making, resource sharing, and artistic exploration.

From the Center for Craft’s mind-melting Materials Collection to the East Asheville Library’s all-ages craft kits, these libraries are redefining what it means to learn, create, and connect in the digital age. Each space offers more than just information—they're dynamic, communal environments that encourage collaboration, spark innovation, and strengthen our community bonds. They provide not just tools and materials but also a sense of belonging.

As we celebrate the invaluable role the spaces play in enriching lives during National Library Week, tip your hats to the unconventional spaces and hidden gems transforming our region, one creative collaboration at a time. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a seasoned DIYer, or a lifelong learner who’s simply curious about these innovative spaces, there’s truly something here for everyone—even those who still want to crack open a good old-fashioned book.

Asheville Tool Library

New Leceister Highway

No list of unconventional libraries would be complete without the Asheville Tool Library. Established in 2016, this unique library located off New Leceister Highway is a volunteer-driven community resource that offers members access to a vast array of tools for gardening, woodworking, and home improvement projects. Besides lending tools, the library provides educational opportunities and hosts workshops, supporting DIY enthusiasts and professional artisans alike. With a mission to promote sustainability and tackle socio-economic inequality, the Asheville Tool Library is committed to making tools and resources accessible to everyone, empowering residents to spearhead projects while building connections within the community. Household memberships are $50 - 250 per year, with scholarships available.

Learn more about the Asheville Tool Library here.

Engagement Studio, Center for Craft

Downtown Asheville

The Center for Craft's Engagement Studio is an inviting hub designed to immerse visitors in the world of craft. Situated within the center’s downtown location off Broadway St., this space features the Materials Collection, showcasing over 100 innovative and traditional craft materials for hands-on exploration. Visitors can also delve into the Craft Research Fund Study Collection, which houses a wealth of scholarly resources from more than 148 grant recipients since 2005, offering valuable insights into the craft field. Beyond these collections, the Engagement Studio invites everyone to participate in interactive activities, fostering a deeper understanding of craft to explore heritage, identity, and human connection. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan or a curious newcomer, the Engagement Studio champions the joy and relevance of crafting in our everyday lives.

Learn more about the Center for Craft’s Engagement Studio here.

Robert W. Gray Library, Folk Art Center, Southern Highland Craft Guild

Blue Ridge Parkway, East Asheville

The Robert W. Gray Library, located on the second floor of the Southern Highland Craft Guild’s Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway in East Asheville, is a treasure trove for anyone interested in traditional and contemporary crafts, especially those with roots in the Southern Appalachian region. With over 20,000 volumes, the collection features a diverse range of materials, from exhibition catalogs to "how-to" guides, all focused on craftwork from around the globe. Recently, the library added an audio-visual area showcasing more than 100 craft-related videos. While the materials can’t be checked out, they are available for on-site research, and a librarian is on hand Monday through Friday to assist visitors. This unique resource not only preserves craft heritage but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the art form, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Learn more about the Robert W. Gray Library here.

Craft Kits, East Asheville Library

Haw Creek, East Asheville

The East Asheville Public Library, a branch of the Buncombe County Public Library, offers a unique set of craft kits designed to inspire creativity and provide hands-on experience in various art forms. Each kit includes essential non-consumable tools and an instructional book, such as the quilting kit featuring “A Beginner's Guide to Quilting” by Christine Mann, along with tools like a rotary cutter and sewing needles. The library encourages adults to check out the kits and supervise children using them, ensuring safety when sharp objects are involved. Available for checkout during library hours, these kits cannot be transferred to other locations or returned via the book drop due to their size and materials. This initiative complements the library's broader commitment to arts education, featuring artist residencies, book clubs, and community programs that foster creativity and skill-building among residents.

Learn more about the East Asheville Library’s programming here.

Free Little Art Supply Exchange, McDowell Arts Council Association

Marion, McDowell County

The Free Little Art Supply Exchange, situated in Marion outside the McDowell Arts Council Association, is a unique community-run project launched in 2022. This DIY initiative, made possible through a donated newspaper box from the McDowell News, encourages residents to share and collect art supplies. Painted a cheerful lavender, the box invites donations of new or gently used items, while the Arts Council occasionally replenishes it with essentials like sketchbooks and colored pencils. Assistant Director Anna Branam highlights the variety of contributions, noting that people often leave small gifts, brochures, and toys. The brightly colored box has become a favorite among children, who eagerly check for new markers, stickers, or art kits supplied by the community.

Learn more about the McDowell County Arts Council Association here.

Asheville Makers

Downtown Asheville

Asheville Makers is a co-working maker space located in the heart of downtown Asheville. This community hub invites tinkerers, artists, engineers, and anyone with a creative spark to come together and share their time and knowledge. Offering 24/7 access for just $50 a month, members can use a variety of tools and equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and soldering stations. The space fosters a unique sense of camaraderie and collaboration, highlighted by board member Kacee Granke, who successfully launched her Etsy shop, Stitch Life Studio, with the community’s support. With regular open houses on the first Tuesday of every month, Asheville Makers is an inclusive place that encourages learning and collaboration in a welcoming environment.

Learn more about Asheville Makers here.

Community Dye Studio, Local Cloth

River Arts District

Tucked into the back corner of Local Cloth’s historic Depot St. building, the Dye Studio is a “creative haven” stocked with tools, supplies, and—most importantly—opportunities for collaboration and learning. Open to Local Cloth members for independent projects, the studio supports a range of dyeing techniques, from eco-printing to indigo vat maintenance. More than just a workspace, it serves as an educational hub, hosting workshops and interest groups where seasoned artists and curious newcomers can experiment and learn together. During summer camps, the studio even inspires the next generation of fiber artists, allowing young creators to learn wet felting and get hands-on experience dyeing yarn.

Learn more about Local Cloth here.

All images published with permission of the artist(s); feature photo: Center for Craft.