Make-a-thek

The Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library is also participating in the international Make-a-thek project, which launches today. As part of the initiative, new modular maker spaces will be created in public libraries across Europe, with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation. 

On Earth Overshoot Day, July 24, 2025, the international project called Make-a-thek (full name: Modular Library Makerspaces for Heritage Crafts Innovation and Digitization) will officially launch, with the Metropolitan Ervin Szabó Library (MESZL) participating as a key partner. The initiative, which will be implemented between 2025 and 2027, aims to transform public libraries into open, inclusive, and sustainable community spaces where new forms of circular fashion, crafts, and digital creation can come to life.

As part of the project, modular makerspaces - modern, flexible creative workshops - will be set up in public libraries across 9 cities, including Budapest. These spaces will offer tools, knowledge, and programs to support local communities. Make-a-thek combines traditional craft knowledge with digital manufacturing technologies to promote sustainability, circular economy practices, and the preservation of cultural heritage. Every aspect of the project is in alignment with the European Commission's New European Bauhaus initiative, which aims to build a sustainable, inclusive, and aesthetically pleasing future in cities and communities.

Funded by the European Union’s Horizon program (HORIZON-CL2-2024-HERITAGE-01), Make-a-thek brings together a diverse group of partners, including the Zentrum für Soziale Innovation (AT), Global Innovation Gathering (DE), Fashion Revolution (DE), OpenDotLab (IT), Public Libraries 2030 (BE), Ukrainian Makers Association (UA), Fab City Foundation (EE), and the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (ES).

In addition to the Library of Budapest, the program includes public libraries from Antwerp, Barcelona, Berlin, Helsinki, Kranj, Kyiv, Milan, Opole, Reykjavík, and Zaporizhzhia. Also participating are a mobile library bus, a mobile maker bus, and several partner institutions from outside Europe.    

Image source: Make-a-thek project