In an effort to provide STEM education and opportunities for all ages, Broward County Library opened the Creation Station, a makerspace/gadget lab at Main Library that offers free use of 3D printers and other high-tech equipment. Because of the great reception and high customer usage of the Creation Station, the Library has created Creation Station portals in other libraries and will open two satellite Creation Station locations in September. This will ensure that many different communities throughout Broward County have the chance to utilize the equipment, technology and resources previously found only at the Main Library.

The two satellite Creation Stations will concentrate on specific creative areas. The first, located at Northwest Regional Library, will feature equipment/space for hands-on creating, including 3D printers and a large, open space with work tables. The second, at Collier City Learning Library, emphasizes music production with a sound room, engineering booth, electronic keyboards and guitars, drum kits and microphones, as well as acoustic guitars available for check out in conjunction with a music tutoring program. Portals have a sampling of gear such as video cameras, a green screen, lighting kits, tripods, 3D printers, sewing and quilting machines and musical equipment.

Since its opening in January 2014, the flagship Creation Station averages 1,200 visitors each month, proving the need for a maker space that is free and open to the community. Broward County Library wants to extend that opportunity to libraries in other parts of the county so that as many people as possible have the chance to become a maker, creator, entrepreneur or inventor. The Creation Station satellites and portals represent a leveling of the technological playing field and ensure that members of the community are not restricted from technological opportunities because of equipment cost, access and other factors.