This talk presents results from the National Forum to Connect and Advance Library Makerspaces, which developed a strategic vision for the future of library makerspaces in the U.S. As makerspaces have expanded across U.S. libraries over the past 15 years, the Forum convened librarians, educators, researchers, and makers to reflect on their evolution and envision their future roles. The findings illustrate how makerspaces are reconceptualizing and reimagining the role of libraries in contemporary society. Their roles are not only deeply grounded in the longstanding mission of librarianship but also extend and re-imagine it, offering a new understanding of what libraries can be in this era. The Forum also articulated core values and a shared vision for the future we hope to create through library makerspaces. Priorities and needed resources to advance this envisioned future were also identified.
