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George W. Hawkes Downtown Library
Monday: 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
East Library and Recreation Center
Monday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Ron Wright Lake Arlington Branch Library
Monday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Northeast Branch Library
Monday: Temporarily Closed
Southeast Branch Library
Monday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Southwest Branch Library
Monday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
Woodland West Branch Library
Monday: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
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Makerspace

makerspace

The Makerspace is located on the second floor of the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library.

Discover and learn to use technology in the second floor's makerspace area. From sewing and other traditional crafts to cutting edge 3D printing, the Downtown Library offers something for both the experienced and aspiring makers. Training is provided by Library staff. Use of the makerspace is free to library cardholders. Bring designs to life with STEM-focused technology in the Tinker Room. This space features 3D printers, a milling machine, vinyl cutter, a plotter printer, and a variety of small devices and tools. Create wearable, usable pieces of art in the Innovate Room, featuring sewing, quilting and embroidery machines that offer a range of options for working with fabric. A heat press is also available.

Makers must be an APL cardholder. Before using makerspace equipment for the first time, users must complete a Maker Waiver Form, present a valid library card, and a photo ID. Visitors must always check in with Library staff within the makerspace, with their library card or photo Id. Makers are expected to abide by Makerspace Usage Guidelines and any applicable Library Policies at all times. Certain machines will require training and certification before use. You can review training materials and learn more about a machine by clicking below.

Makerspace Event & Class Calendar

Click on the link above for a full list of all upcoming events taking place in the makerspace. If an event is taking place in the Tinker or Innovate room. It will be closed to the public for the duration of the program.

Quilting Machine

Training materials coming soon.

Vinyl Cutter

Training materials coming soon.

Heat Press

Get started on the Sublimation Heat Press Machine

Serger

Training materials coming soon.

General Makerspace Guidelines

  • Follow the rules for each piece of equipment or area

  • Wear closed toed shoes
  • Report any unsafe behavior, injuries or malfunctioning equipment to Library staff immediately

  • Do not take equipment out of Makerspace 

  • Clean and return any item to its proper storage when not in use

  • Clean up before leaving an area

  • It is your responsibility to use the proper safety equipment for your project.

  • Makerspace users are required to review the Makerspace Usage Guidelines and fill out the Accident Waiver form prior to use.

Current Operational Hours

Mondays: 
Closed 

Tuesdays
12 p.m.-8 p.m. 

Wednesdays
12 p.m.-6 p.m. 

Thursdays
12 p.m.-8 p.m. 

Fridays
10 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Saturdays
10 a.m.-6 p.m. 

Sundays
2 - 6 p.m.

*Please check the calendar, rooms in the Makerspace; are unavailable when reserved for programs or classes.

Calendar 
Click on the link above for a full list of all upcoming events taking place in the makerspace. If an event is taking place in the Tinker or Innovate room, it will be closed to the public for the duration of the program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Makerspace

  • What do I need to do to use the makerspace?
    A valid APL library card is required to use the makerspace. You must review the Makerspace Usage Guidelines and Accident Waiver Form prior to using the makerspace for the first time. Training and certification for each machine are required prior to use. You can find the training materials by clicking on the machine you would like to be certified for. 

3D Printers

  • Is filament available?
    Filament is available for purchase for .20 cents per gram.

Carvey Milling Machine

Embroidery Machine

  • Is embroidery software available?
    The embroidery machine is equipped with Brother PE 10 Design Embroidery Software

Sewing Machines

  • Do I need to bring my own needles or thread?
    Patrons will need to bring their own thread and fabric. We have basic needles available for use. If a specialty needle is needed, such as a twin needle, the patron would need to supply their own.
  • What sewing tools do you have available?
    Pins, rotary cutter, cutting mat, fabric scissors, and other basic tools are available for use.
  • What feet do you have for your machines?
    We have standard machine attachments available. Walking, piping or any other specialty feet will need to be supplied by the patron.

Plotter Printer

  • Is paper available or do I need to bring my own?
    Plotter paper is available for $7 per linear foot. 

Vinyl Cutter

  • Is vinyl supplied?
    Patrons must supply their own vinyl for the machine.
  • What size is the vinyl cutter?
    The vinyl cutter uses 24" rolls of vinyl.

Quilting Machine 

Northeast Branch Updates:
Starting Monday, December 4, 2023, the Northeast Branch will be temporarily closed for HVAC renovations. Click here for more information.