Project FryskLab – Europe’s First Mobile Library FabLab

Project FryskLab is an innovative initiative developed by Fers, the public library service provider for the Province of Friesland in the Netherlands. Based in a converted library truck, FryskLab is recognized as Europe’s first official mobile library FabLab, combining digital fabrication technologies, education, and creative learning in a fully mobile environment.

What is FryskLab?

FryskLab was created to explore how a mobile FabLab can support the development of creative, technical, and entrepreneurial skills among children and young people. The project focuses on bringing modern maker technologies directly into schools, libraries, and communities throughout the rural province of Friesland.

The initiative follows the motto “knowledge-making and sharing of the future”, reflecting the evolving role of libraries as facilitators of digital innovation, collaboration, and hands-on learning.

The Role of Libraries in Digital Innovation

FryskLab demonstrates how libraries can support modern education and technology access by providing:

• Digital fabrication tools and maker technologies
• Training and educational workshops
• Collaborative learning environments
• Access to open-source hardware and software
• Project documentation and knowledge-sharing opportunities

The project treats FabLabs and makerspaces as environments where physical and digital creativity converge, encouraging participants to document and share their projects with others.

History of the FryskLab Project

The FryskLab project officially launched in January 2014 after observing the growing collaboration between libraries and makerspaces in the United States. Fers identified the potential to introduce these concepts to the rural communities of Fryslân and developed a dedicated educational program centered around 21st Century Skills.

The program supports both primary and secondary education while addressing local social and technological challenges through hands-on learning experiences.

The FryskLab Truck

FryskLab operates from a converted mobile library vehicle equipped as a complete mobile fabrication laboratory.

• Dimensions: 10.33 x 2.55 x 3.85 meters (L x W x H)
• Weight: 13,000 kg
• Capacity: 10–12 adults or 15–20 children and teenagers

The truck can operate both indoors and outdoors, allowing workshops to be organized directly at schools, libraries, festivals, and public events. The mobile setup makes advanced technology accessible in locations where permanent FabLab facilities may not be available.

Digital Fabrication Equipment

FryskLab contains a wide range of digital manufacturing and prototyping tools:

• 3D printers including Ultimaker, Builder, and Up Plus systems
• 3D scanner
• Laser cutter
• Vinyl cutter
• 3Doodler pen
• Electronics and hand tools

Computers, Electronics, and Software

The mobile FabLab includes laptops, networking infrastructure, and educational electronics platforms for design and programming activities.

• MacBook Air and Dell laptop workstations
• Apple TV presentation system
• 4G mobile networking router
• Battery system for up to four hours of standalone operation
• Arduino and MaKey MaKey boards
• littleBits electronics kits
• Strawbees prototyping materials

Participants use a variety of software tools for 3D modeling, programming, digital design, and fabrication:

• Scratch
• Tinkercad
• SketchUp Make
• Inkscape
• Cura
• Repetier
• Sculptris
• Doodle3D

Educational Impact and Innovation

FryskLab focuses on introducing students and communities to emerging technologies through practical experimentation and collaborative learning. The project supports innovation in rural areas by increasing access to digital fabrication tools, creative technologies, and technical education.

According to lab manager Aan Kootstra, the goal of the mobile lab is to strengthen the innovative capacity of the province while helping citizens become familiar with rapidly evolving technologies and digital manufacturing methods.

FryskLab represents a modern approach to library services, combining education, maker culture, and mobile technology access within a collaborative learning environment.

Contact: Jeroen de Boer [email protected] 0031(0)582847743