A starter set of books every makerspace should have for makers and their families
The Art of Tinkering – By Karen Wilkinson and Mike Petrich. This unique book from the San Francisco Exploratorium’s Tinkering Studio is a creative sampler of over 150 projects, exhibits, and insights from the fascinating makers behind them. The book is beautiful and hackable – the cover is printed with conductive ink so you can use it in your own project.
Howtoons – Comic strip stories and project kits to inspire building, designing, engineering and inventing. (No longer in production. Website is archived. Books are available used.)
Tinkerlab: A Hands-On Guide for Little Inventors – 55 playful experiments that encourage tinkering, curiosity, and creative thinking from the creator of Tinkerlab.com—hands-on activities that explore art, science, and more. For children two and up.
The Way Things Work Now – Every classroom needs at least one copy of David Macaulay’s beautifully illustrated book of how things work. Updated with the latest in technology developments.
How Does My Home Work? – The inner workings of a home are laid out for kids ages 5-8 in fun, retro illustrations jam-packed with the technology behind everyday life.
Smithsonian Maker Lab Series – Beautiful STEM and maker project books from the Smithsonian and DK for kids 8-14.
Making Things Move DIY Mechanisms for Inventors, Hobbyists, and Artists – Learn how to build moving mechanisms with and without motors. A wealth of clear explanations, examples, and try-it projects. The explanations of different materials and fastening techniques will be referred to often.
Photojojo!: Insanely Great Photo Projects and DIY Ideas – This book is filled with insanely creative ways to turn your photographs into amazing products and crazy ways to capture photographs you won’t believe. Fun for the whole family!
Klutz LEGO Books – Klutz has a line of LEGO books that illustrate simple mechanical concepts that may be generalized into larger personal projects.
Jane Bull books – Every one of Jane Bull’s beautiful craft, sewing, cooking, and making books will delight and inspire kids. They all deserve a place in every classroom or maker space library.
Steven Caney’s Invention Book – Steve Caney’s books are mostly out of print, but available used online. All his books are full of whimsical projects that are good to have in a makerspace for inspiration.