11 Feb
2026
11 Feb
'26
11:35 a.m.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:46:42 +0000
From: "Ransford, Gary" <ransford(a)smcl.org>
To: Maker Services <makerservices(a)smcl.org>
Subject: [sudo-info] OPPORTUNITY: Apply to Be Our First Maker in Residence
Hello all,
I wanted to share with you the posting for San Mateo County Libraries' inaugural Maker
in Residence opportunity. Would you please share this with your network of contacts as
well? Thank you in advance and please reach out with any questions.
Gary Ransford (he/him)
Senior Community Technology Specialist | ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
San Mateo County Libraries
650.502.2171 smcl.org<http://smcl.org/>
________________________________
Calling All Makers: Apply to Be Our First Maker in Residence
San Mateo County Libraries<http://smcl.org/> is excited to introduce our Maker in
Residence program, designed to teach, inspire and bring hands-on STEAM learning
opportunities to community members across San Mateo County.
This program offers a paid residency opportunity for makers who are passionate about
sharing their skills, teaching others and creating inclusive, community-centered learning
experiences through our libraries<https://smcl.bibliocommons.com/v2/locations>ns>.
We’re looking for curious and creative Scientists, Technologists, Engineers, Artists and
Mathematicians who are excited to share their skills and connect with the community as our
first Maker in Residence.
Selected makers will mentor community members through hands-on experiences that encourage
transformative learning within and beyond our libraries. Inspired by successful residency
models from museums and arts organizations, this six-month program emphasizes ongoing
engagement, giving library users repeated opportunities to explore STEAM topics, build
skills and grow confidence through making.
The Maker in Residence will activate library spaces across the county through hands-on
workshops, self-guided programs, Makermobile visits and open office hours, creating
multiple opportunities for community members to learn directly from community experts.
Applications Now Open
Applications are now open for our Maker in Residence program, a residency opportunity for
makers who want to teach, inspire and bring hands-on STEAM experiences to the community.
Check out the announcement, opens a new
window<https://smcl.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2026/02/Maker-in-Res…
for a complete description of the Maker in Residence qualifications and requirements.
To be considered, applicants must complete both steps below by Wednesday, March 4, 2026:
1.
Email a resume and letter of interest describing your STEAM expertise to
makerservices@smcl.org<mailto:makerservices@smcl.org>
2.
Submit the Maker in Residence Application
Form<https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=zC3v4AaghkuOaw2…
We look forward to reviewing applications and selecting San Mateo County Libraries’
first Maker in Residence soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Additional requirements are listed below. Questions? Email us at
makerservices@smcl.org<mailto:makerservices@smcl.org>
What is the Maker in Residence Program?
Maker in Residence programs enrich an institution’s public offerings and support the
careers of local experts in a craft.
The Maker in Residence series aims to offer specialized maker experiences, both passive
and active, for library patrons and community members of all ages. The selected resident
maker will receive a stipend and a supply budget to foster transformative learning
opportunities in our community libraries and with our Makermobile.
Who is eligible to apply?
*
Maker in Residence candidates must meet the following criteria:
*
Be 18 years or older
*
Have a maker background rooted in a STEAM discipline (Science, Technology, Engineering,
Arts and/or Math)
*
Be able to commit to the full residency period of six months
*
Be available to meet the weekly hour expectations
*
Have access to reliable transportation for travel between library and outreach locations
*
Reside in the San Francisco Bay Area
Additional qualifications (not required, but helpful):
*
Prior experience teaching, facilitating or leading workshops or community programs. Strong
communication and instructional skills are also important to this role.
Calling All Makers: Apply to Be Our First Maker in Residence | San Mateo County
Libraries<https://smcl.org/blogs/post/calling-all-makers-apply-to-be-our…