School librarians from across Guam visited the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub at the CHamoru Village as part of the 2026 Guam Department of Education (GDOE) Annual Library Conference, a professional development event designed to strengthen library services and expand learning opportunities for students across the island.
Organized under the leadership of conference chairperson Dolores Rosario, a librarian at Tiyan High School, the annual conference provides librarians with opportunities to learn about new resources, explore innovative tools, and build partnerships that support student learning.
The G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub is supported in part through the Guam NSF EPSCoR program and serves as a collaborative space where community members, students, and educators can access tools, training, and resources that encourage innovation, sustainability, and hands-on learning.
According to GDOE, the Annual Library Conference focuses on enhancing library services, integrating technology into the curriculum, and fostering community connections. Past conferences have featured themes such as “Community Through Connection” and have explored topics including makerspaces and CHamoru literature.
The visit allowed librarians to learn about educational and community resources available to students, educators, and families.
The group also toured the CHalan Deskubre Hub at the UOG Dean’s Circle. “We learned that there’s a lot more information that can be available to our students at the actual hub. We know that it’s a resource that they and their families can go to,” Rosario said.
She added that it was encouraging to learn that the hub is accessible to schools interested in organizing visits. “It’s great knowing that the hub is open and available to schools,” Rosario said. “If they want to do group tours, small scale or even a little bit larger, they can accommodate different activities.”
Rosario said the visits were included in the itinerary of the GDOE Annual Library Conference to help librarians discover resources they can integrate into their school programs. “What we do is we try to learn more about information and resources that we can bring back to help improve our programs and deliver services to students,” Rosario said.
Many school libraries across Guam are expanding their offerings to include makerspaces—creative areas where students can experiment, build, and explore hands-on learning. “Librarians have an annual library budget, and we offer makerspaces in our libraries,” Rosario said. “If students want to come into our libraries, we offer resources that support their learning. Sometimes students need to build things, and sometimes they need resources.”
Some secondary school libraries are already equipped with tools such as Glowforge machines, a tool capable of cutting and engraving materials such as wood, acrylic, leather, and paper. “We’re going around seeing what can be done with the equipment that we are receiving through funding and the things that we can make or have students learn to make,” Rosario added.
During their visit to the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub, the group toured several areas including the G3 Green Store and the Plastics Resource Center.
G3 Makerspace coordinator Emily Wendte and G3 Circular Economy coordinator Abby Crain provided an overview of the programs and resources available to the community. At the Plastics Resource Center, they highlighted initiatives designed to divert plastic waste from the local landfill.
During the tour, some librarians were especially impressed by refurbished school desks displayed at the hub. The desks were created using basic metal desk frames combined with tabletops made from recycled plastics. The project was developed by Navigating Home fellow Justin Cruz, who is piloting the initiative at Maria Ulloa Elementary School. The desks demonstrate how recycled materials can be transformed into durable, functional furniture for classrooms.
Wendte and Makerspace staff member Shawn Garcia also guided the librarians through the Makerspace studio, where members can access a variety of tools and equipment to bring their ideas to life. The facility includes a laser cutter, 3D printers, a CNC router, woodworking tools, and other fabrication equipment. Members receive training before operating machines independently, while staff remain available to provide guidance and support.
The librarians expressed strong interest in the available equipment as well as the trainings and workshops offered through the G3 Makerspace and Innovation Hub, recognizing the potential to connect these opportunities with hands-on learning experiences in Guam’s schools.