A new cultural and educational center has opened in Almaty on the basis of the city library

The opening of the new American Space & Makerspace cultural and educational center took place at the Zhambyl Youth Library, bringing together young people, creative communities, and city residents eager for knowledge and innovation, the Almaty Department of Culture reported.

The center was established with the support of the U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Consulate General in Almaty, as well as with the participation of local partner organizations. The project aims to expand opportunities for city residents in the fields of education, creativity, and modern technologies, as well as to strengthen international cultural and educational cooperation.

The ceremonial event was attended by the Head of the Department of culture of Almaty Daniyar Aliyev, Chairman of the Union of Writers of Kazakhstan Mereke Kulkenov, U.S. Consul General in Almaty Michelle Erkin, Vice President of Chevron International Petroleum Company Dylan Morgan, Public Affairs Officer Heera Kaur Kamboj, as well as representatives of educational and cultural organizations.

During the event, Daniyar Aliyev highlighted the significance of the center in his welcoming speech. “The library is a major cultural environment. The opening of such a modern center within the library, which creates opportunities for education, creative, and intellectual development of youth, is an important step in the development of the cultural sector. I am confident that this initiative will strengthen cultural cooperation between our countries and elevate mutual understanding and partnership to a new level,” he said.

American Space & Makerspace is a modern multifunctional platform that combines education and creativity, innovation and practice. The center will provide consultations for young people interested in studying at U.S. universities, offer English courses and conversation clubs, hold workshops to develop professional and digital skills, and implement programs in entrepreneurship, leadership, and civic engagement.

“American Space & Makerspace is a space of trust and partnership that brings people together and opens the path to the future through education and innovation. We believe it is important, together with our Kazakh partners, to ensure that this space meets the real needs of the local community and remains open and accessible to youth,” said U.S. Consul General in Almaty Michelle Erkin.

The center also includes a Makerspace zone equipped with modern tools for 3D printing, design, robotics, programming, scientific experiments, and applied creativity, as well as a corner dedicated to American literature.

The opening of the new center received high praise from library visitors, particularly youth. One visitor, Aruzhan Makhanbetkaliyeva, who plans to study in the U.S. in the future, shared her impressions:
“For me, this project is a great opportunity. Here, I can get the necessary information for applying to U.S. universities, improve my English, and develop professionally and creatively. I believe that the opening of such a space will help many students get closer to their dreams.”