Mission
New Jersey Makers Day inspires and activates libraries to showcase and highlight STEM and maker culture, enhancing life-long learning.
Background
Work on the idea of New Jersey Makers Day began in 2014 with an initial grant from LibraryLinkNJ. The goal was to enhance community engagement and develop connections among New Jersey residents by collaborating with multi-type libraries, museums, small businesses and others to promote and explore new opportunities for entrepreneurship, innovation and hands-on learning experiences.
The first New Jersey Makers Day annual event in 2015 was organized by a group of public librarians including Doug Baldwin, Ralph Bingham, Mo Donohue, Dave Franz, Kate Jaggers, James Keehbler, and Allen McGinley.
In September 2016, New Jersey Makers Day was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, with financial support from charitable donations, and governed by an independent 9-member Executive Board.
The New Jersey Makers Day (NJMD) Board and LibraryLinkNJ began exploring the possibility of transitioning NJMD from a nonprofit organization to a project managed by LibraryLinkNJ. After much discussion and the development of a detailed project plan, both organizations signed a memorandum of understanding in January 2026. Most of the NJMD Executive Board members have generously joined the newly formed NJMD Advisory Group for LibraryLinkNJ.
Beginning in July 2026, LibraryLinkNJ became the new home of New Jersey Makers Day, and we are excited to have the opportunity to build on the past decade of this successful initiative.
Stay tuned for more updates about NJMD!
GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY
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