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.