Innovate@MCMLS Expands to Magnolia, TX

MAGNOLIA, TX -- The Montgomery County Memorial Library System is excited to announce the expansion of "Innovate@MCMLS" to the Malcolm Purvis Library in Magnolia, TX. The library system is partnering with the Magnolia Economic Development Corporation to bring "Innovate@MCMLS" to the Magnolia community.

"Innovate@MCMLS" is a system-wide initiative that supports one of the library's organizational priorities - strategic innovation, and is aligned with the library’s vision to be a leading resource for information, education, culture, and innovation. The initiative’s first library location is Kevin Brady Library, and it is expected to launch at the Kevin Brady Library early 2026 (see the recent press release here for more details).

“Innovate@MCMLS” gives the community a place to access tools and technology they might not normally have available to them. Library patrons can try out and use equipment like 3D printers, laser cutters, STEM kits, and more in a creative space designed for learning new skills and sharing ideas. STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math—encourages critical thinking and experimenting with new ways to solve problems. The Innovation Space is the perfect place to develop these skills, as well as to explore, collaborate, and innovate.

"Libraries are special places where discovery and connection happen,” said Commissioner Charlie Riley, Pct. 2 “The partnership between the City of Magnolia and the County's Malcolm Purvis Library is a model for what economic support can do for the community. Supporting people of all ages in Magnolia with innovation ensures education and growth for all ages. We welcome this new initiative to the Magnolia area!"

The expansion would not be possible without the support of the Magnolia Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) with the City of Magnolia. MEDC is an organization dedicated to fostering economic prosperity in the city of Magnolia. The purpose of the partnership is to offer educational opportunities and resources that support workforce development. By providing innovation equipment, the MEDC hopes to encourage learning in growing technologies. Through this collaboration, the Malcolm Purvis Library will offer a welcoming space to explore new skills and better serve the community. Together, both organizations are helping ensure everyone has access to the tools they need to learn, create, and thrive.

“This partnership expands access to hands-on tools and creative technologies,” noted Robert Franklin, Chairman of the MEDC Board of Directors. “The Magnolia Economic Development Corporation hopes to open the door for residents of all ages to explore new ideas, build new skills, and discover pathways that could grow into future careers or business ventures.”

The implementation of "Innovate@MCMLS" initiative at the Malcolm Purvis Library will start with the creation of an Innovation Space with various maker equipment. Magnolia community members are asked to provide their feedback via a survey regarding the tools and technology they would like to see at the newly created Innovation Space at Malcolm Purvis Library. A Community Interest Survey is now available to complete online or in print form offered at the Malcolm Purvis Library. The survey will close on January 16, 2026. Please complete the survey and help us identify the equipment our community is interested in!

The Space will also include a digital interactive table for young children (with multiple STEM activities), as well as STEM kits for children and teens. In addition, the Summer Reading Program-2026 will contain various STEM programs and activities for all ages.

When people innovate, they experiment and solve problems, often collaborating. By providing a welcoming Innovation Space where people learn new skills, and also learn together, the library helps build a space where community succeeds.

The "Innovate@MCMLS" at the Malcolm Purvis Library is planned to be launched by March of 2026.

“This groundbreaking partnership and technology hub promises exciting opportunities for our community, and I cannot wait to see what will be discovered and created in our Innovation Space,” said Elaine Taylor, Malcolm Purvis Library Manager. “We are thankful to the Magnolia Economic Development Corporation and the City of Magnolia for supporting 'Innovate@MCLS.’”

For more information about the future grand opening, upcoming workshops, hours, equipment, and other “Innovate@MCMLS” locations, stay connected with MCMLS via our social media and website.