What is Maker Challenge?

Summer Maker Challenge is a contest designed to spur the creativity of the community and highlight our Maker Studio collection. Patrons of all ages are challenged to create something amazing. The rules are that it must be original, inspired by our Summer Reading 2026 theme: Unearth a Story, and created at least in part using our Maker Studio collection.

How to Participate

  • K – Gr 2 and Gr 3 – 6: Complete the worksheet prompt with an idea for a design that could be made using Maker Studio equipment. No equipment use is necessary.
  • Gr 7 -12 and Adult: Create an original design inspired by Summer Reading 2026: Unearth a Story. Bring the design to life using HPL’s Maker Studio and submit the design for display and judging by bringing it to the circulation desk and filling out a submission form.
    • Any challenge submission using the 3D or laser printers will be printed for free up to a material value of $5.
  • A submission form must be completed to participate. Participants under 18 will require a parent or guardian’s signature.

Timeline

Return contest entries on or before Friday, July 24 by 5 p.m. to the circulation desk at the Library. All submissions will be displayed in the Library during the month of August.

Winners

One winner will be selected from each age category, chosen by Huron Public Library board members based on the rules below to receive a prize.

In the K- Gr 2 and Gr 3 – 6 categories, a winner and runner-up will have their drawings brought to life by Huron Public Library staff and be able to take their creation home with them.

Rules

Submissions Must

  • Connect to the Summer Reading 2026 theme: Unearth a Story. Be creative!
  • Represent original work. Participants can use a template or pre-made design as a starting point but must make modifications to display their originality.
  • K – Gr 2 and Gr 3 – 6: Complete the worksheet prompt with an idea for a design that could be made using Maker Studio equipment. No equipment use is necessary.
  • Gr 7 -12 and Adult: Use Maker Studio equipment or software. Part or all of your design must use HPL’s Maker Studio collection to bring your vision to life.

Submissions Must Not

  • Violate local, state, or federal laws or regulations.
  • Look like, function as, or appear to function as weapons or parts thereof.
  • Appear unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or to otherwise pose a threat to the health or safety of others.
  • Be possibly construed as obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.
  • Potentially violate the intellectual property rights of another.

Where Do I Start?

Your design can be anything – a pterodactyl bookmark, a 3D replica of a favorite fossil, faux dino-bone jewelry, or a cool custom archeological t-shirt…the possibilities are endless.

Need some inspiration? Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing:

K - Gr 2 & Gr 3 - 6

K – Gr 2 and Gr 3 – 6 age groups do not have to use Make Studio equipment to participate in the challenge. Pick up a Maker Challenge worksheet at the Library to complete the age-specific challenges:

  • Gr K-2: Design a t-shirt that really roars.
  • Gr 3-6: Draw a fidget toy! Designs should be inspired by Unearth a Story.Library staff will use the Maker Studio to make the top 2 designs in each age group into real t-shirts and fidget toys for the creators to take home.

Children of different ages are encouraged to work together to make a family creation.

Gr 7 - 12 & Adult
  • Learn about 3D design: Use Tinkercad or another 3D design platform to make an original dinosaur model. Get creative – make a T-Rex that doubles as a keychain, or make a stegosaurus that is also a succulent planter.
  • Cut with Cricut: Make a design on Cricut Design Space, then cut it out using the machine. Cutting vinyl with a Cricut machine is a great way to make custom cups, t-shirts, and more. Try making a mastodon mug or a raptor decal for a car.
  • Engrave with a laser: HPL’s Glowforge laser printer can cut, engrave, and score designs into wood, leather, and acrylic. Create a design in Inkscape or another design platform, or make a Maker Studio appointment to design directly in the Glowforge app. Etch a favorite fossil into wood to make a custom ornament, cut a custom mineral collection sign and display, or maybe even make an intricate Mesozoic bookmark.