03-04-2025
Watertown's "library of things" offers creative community workspace. Here's a look inside.
The library in Watertown, Massachusetts is providing the tools and a space for people to get creative and learn new skills.
"A lot of libraries have started a '
library of things
' collection, but they don't have necessarily a space to allow people to just make and create and build community," Watertown Public Library director Kim Hewitt said. "We have a big Hatch-maker space and that was one of the first in the area."
The "Hatch" facility on Summer Street is right around the block from the main library. The workshop is stocked with tools, materials, and expertise for everyone to learn in a venue that fosters creativity.
"We have scraps of material to play around with, the sewing machines, or create something, jewelry making. It doesn't have to be prescriptive. You can go there and see what appeals to you," Hewitt said.
The Hatch space is a standout amongst similar programs in Massachusetts, and it just celebrated it's tenth birthday. It has button makers, laser cutters, and even 3-D printers.
"I mean, it's just like it comes out like hard plastic," volunteer Seth Deitch said.
Talented expert volunteers are there to assist patrons with their projects, which is how Deitch first started in the space.
"We're very lucky to have the people that we have who volunteer here. Many of them are extremely talented. Lots of people with advanced degrees," Deitch said.
Hatch also offers workshops that more and more people in the community are getting involved in.
"It's nice having a space for the entire community that's free to come to and work at," Deitch said. "Nowadays, people spend a lot of their time staring at screens, not enough working with their hands."
The best part is, anyone in the state can get in on the fun.
"As long as you're a Massachusetts resident, you can get a library card at the Watertown Public Library," said Ran Cronin, the library's access services supervisor.
"I'm really lucky to live in Watertown where we have this," Deitch said.
The library is hoping to expand the Hatch space. It also has one of the largest English language-learning programs, called Project Literacy, which serves 900 students per year.
