A quiet revolution is taking place at Edison School in the most unlikely of places— the school library. But this is no ordinary library, and Emily Brookman is no ordinary librarian. With a vision that goes far beyond the pages of books, Emily has transformed the library into a dynamic “Maker’s Space,” where students are encouraged to explore, create, and innovate.

Originally from South Dakota, Emily and her family moved to Macomb from St. Louis 15 years ago, drawn by her husband’s job and the welcoming nature of the community. “We fell in love with the community, and once our kids got into school, it became harder to leave,” she shares with a smile. Her children, now 17 and 13, have grown up in the Macomb schools, cementing the family’s ties to the area.

Emily’s journey to becoming a librarian started in special education, where she worked with early childhood students in St. Louis before taking time off to raise her own children. When she returned to work, she enrolled in a Master’s program in Library Science at the University of Illinois, a program she completed just a year and a half ago. Her return to education brought her to the library at Edison School, where she quickly realized that the role could be much more than just managing a collection of books.

For Emily, reading is at the heart of everything. “Reading is everything,” she says passionately. But she noticed a troubling trend among students—a reluctance to read, stemming from the perception that reading was boring or a chore. Determined to change this, Emily set out to find out what the students were actually interested in and collaborated with teachers to stock the library with books that would excite and engage them. “We weeded out old books that no one was reading and brought in more graphic novels, up-to-date nonfiction, and fun chapter books that really grabbed the students’ attention.”

However, Emily didn’t stop there. Recognizing that education is not a one-size-fits-all approach, she introduced the “Maker’s Space” concept to the library—a place where students can engage in hands-on activities that foster creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Every Friday, the library is transformed into a hub of activity, where students can participate in various themed projects that range from robotics and STEM challenges to crafts and artistic expression.

The Maker’s Space has been a hit, not just with students but with teachers as well. Emily explains, “We don’t usually have library classes on Fridays, so I thought, why not use that time for something creative? The teachers get some extra time, and the students get to explore new interests and skills. It’s a win-win.”

One of the most popular activities in the Maker’s Space is the button-making station. “I would never have thought they would love making buttons so much,” Emily laughs. “But they do, and it’s a great way for them to show off their creativity.” The students also enjoy creating holiday gifts, making squad magnets for their lockers, and experimenting with snap circuits, which introduce them to the basics of coding and electronics.

But the Maker’s Space is more than just a fun diversion; it’s a critical part of the educational experience at Edison School. “It’s amazing to see the kids’ faces light up when they figure something out on their own,” Emily says. “They’re learning without even realizing it, and that’s the best kind of learning.”

Emily’s impact extends beyond the walls of the school. As a transplant to Macomb, she understands the importance of community, and she has made it her mission to contribute to the close-knit fabric of the town. “Macomb is a very tight-knit community, but it wasn’t hard to feel like part of it. People here are welcoming, and there’s a real sense of connection. In the school, we’re all raising the community together, and that’s something special.”

As the librarian for both Edison and Lincoln Schools, Emily has her hands full, but she wouldn’t have it any other way. She sees her role as more than just managing books—it’s about creating a space where students can explore their passions, discover new interests, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

In the end, Emily Brookman’s Maker’s Space is more than just a room full of supplies; it’s a testament to what can happen when educators dare to think outside the box. By blending the traditional role of the library with the innovative spirit of the Maker’s Space, Emily is helping to shape a new generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers—right here in Macomb.