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Small Business Q&A with Bill Menker
Makerspaces have been around for decades, but their momentum has grown significantly in the last decade. When one opens in a community for the first time, it often unlocks new creative pathways, empowers emerging entrepreneurs, and brings neighbors together around shared tools and ideas. At the Washington-Centerville Public Library, that vision is taking shape. Bill Menker, Patron Services Manager, is helping guide the expansion of Creativity Commons, a makerspace that will anchor the library’s upcoming renovation and open to the public in 2026.
In this Q&A with Mike McCann, COO at Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC), Bill shares insights into the makerspace movement, what residents can expect to find in the new space, and how Creativity Commons is already inspiring creativity, skill-building, and small-business growth across Centerville and Washington Township.
MM: How do you personally define a makerspace? When the Washington-Centerville Public Library opens its space in 2026, what kinds of tools, technology, or experiences can patrons expect to find?
BM: A makerspace is a collaborative workspace where people gather to create, invent, learn, and share using a variety of equipment, tools, and materials. It is a DIY space where users get free access to tools and machinery, as well as assistance and support to learn how to build files and use the equipment. Our makerspace, Creativity Commons, is designed to support hands-on creativity, experimentation, and learning.
The makerspace movement in public libraries reflects just one example of the shift from being purely book repositories to becoming active hubs for sharing information, creativity, skills, as well as connection. We aim to empower individuals of all ages to explore ideas, build prototypes, and develop skills in areas like engineering, design, art, and technology.
When our newly expanded space is opened in 2026, we will offer more of what our users are already enjoying in Creativity Commons:
- 3D printing
- Laser cutting & engraving
- Sublimation printing
- Banner and sticker printing
- Sewing
- Embroidery
We will also offer exciting new capabilities in areas such as:
- Metal fabrication
- Glass working
- Lapidary arts
- Resin printing
- Advanced apparel printing
- Direct-to-object UV printing
- Podcast recording studio
With a larger space and expanded hours, we will be able to offer more classes and workshops on all the tools and technology we have to offer.
MM: You’ve studied makerspaces in other regions—what are some of the success stories that stood out to you? What kinds of outcomes do you hope to inspire in Centerville and Washington Township?
BM: There are many different models or types of makerspaces, but regardless of type, the truly successful ones share these common characteristics.
First, the willingness and ability to constantly evolve. As technologies advance, so should our makerspace. A state-of-the-art 3D printer today may become obsolete in a year or less. We are committed to upgrading or replacing equipment and technologies regularly. This ensures that our patrons use the latest and greatest, and we provide relevant value to them.
Second, a successful makerspace listens to its customer base and is open to its suggestions. We exist to serve our users, so their input is paramount. Most of the additional capabilities coming to our expanded space are a direct result of suggestions from our users.
Finally, local partnerships are key to success. Partnerships help makerspaces thrive by expanding resources, deepening community impact, and ensuring long-term sustainability. Our collaborations have served to unlock expertise, funding, and visibility that amplify Creativity Commons’ mission and relevance. Makerspaces that cultivate local partnerships become community anchors—places where creativity meets collaboration, and innovation serves the public good.
Our aim at Creativity Commons is to inspire creativity, collaboration, real-world skill development, and community engagement—empowering individuals to become confident problem-solvers and lifelong learners. We want to foster imaginative thinking and experimentation, encouraging users to take risks, explore ideas, and build unique solutions. Ultimately, we want to cultivate a mindset of innovation and resilience.
MM: Creativity and entrepreneurship often go hand in hand. How are you and the City of Centerville working together to help residents turn creative passions into potential business ventures?
BM: Our collaboration with the City of Centerville works by combining creative resources with entrepreneurial support—helping residents transform ideas into viable businesses through access, education, mentorship, and visibility. Our partnership thrives because the Library is a trusted, inclusive space that reduces the cost/difficulty of starting, and the City’s economic development department brings strategic resources and policy support.
Together, we create a pipeline from passion to profit—especially for underserved or first-time entrepreneurs. Washington-Centerville Public Library has long been a supporter of local businesses and regional economic development. A resource partner with BusinessFirst! since 2010, WCPL offers a wide range of services and resources for businesses. Creativity Commons is just the latest extension of those offerings.
MM: For someone who’s never used a makerspace before, all the tools and activity can feel intimidating. What advice do you have for beginners who want to get started?
BM: I highly recommend first dropping by the space during our open hours for a tour and to get an overview of all that we have to offer. Seeing other people using the space and the creative projects they’re working on is a great inspiration to many. On our website, we have a “Know Before You Go” checklist and a short video of how to prepare for your visit. We even offer one-on-one project consultations. One thing we emphasize to new users is not to be afraid of making mistakes, because that is how we learn.
MM: When do you expect the space to open, and how can residents follow your progress (or even get involved) before the grand opening?
BM: The Centerville Library renovation—including the new, expanded Creativity Commons—will be completed Summer 2026. Residents can follow our renovation progress here and on our various social media channels. A great way to get involved is to join the Friends of Washington-Centerville Public Library. Friends of WCPL is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the Library by raising funds to award grants for specific library programs. Their current focus is on supporting the Creativity Commons expansion.
MM: Looking ahead five years, what would success look like for the makerspace? How will you know it’s making an impact?
BM: We will be tracking metrics, both qualitative and quantitative, that will reflect our community impact. Of course, seeing increases in things like foot traffic and program attendance will be important, but what I’m looking forward to most is hearing more of the personal success stories we are already hearing—the startups or side hustles that began in the makerspace, existing small businesses that were reinvigorated by access to new tools and processes, and successful business partnerships and collaborations that arose serendipitously from meeting in Creativity Commons.
Bill Menker’s vision for Creativity Commons illustrates the powerful role makerspaces can play in community development, skill-building, and entrepreneurship. As Centerville prepares to open its expanded makerspace in 2026, the Library is laying the groundwork for a dynamic hub where creativity meets opportunity. From hobbyists to aspiring founders, residents will have access to tools, training, and partnerships that spark new ideas—and potentially new businesses.
