Located on the first floor in the Business & Technology Center, the MakerLab gives Barrington Area Library cardholders access to a variety of cutting edge tools including 3D printers, a laser cutter, sublimation printer, and vinyl cutter. The purpose of MakerLab is to provide space for customers of all ages to learn through making, using skills such as math, art, and design thinking, to complete self-driven projects. Staff are available by appointment to help develop a plan to make your work possible, but it should be noted that MakerLab is not a substitute for a full-scale production facility and limitations on appointments, materials and quantity may apply.
Procedures
• MakerLab is open to Barrington Area Library cardholders.
• No food or beverages in the MakerLab.
Equipment
The Library has a number of cutting edge tools to offer the community. To learn more, click on the links below:
Button set - $.15 ea (includes shell, mylar, and pinback)
Silhouette
We stock black and white heat transfer vinyl (HTV), and a few sheets of various colors in adhesive vinyl and cardstock. If you would like consistency in the color, or need multiple sheets of the same color, we recommend you bring in your own material.
12" x 12" adhesive vinyl (sticker paper) - $1.00 12" x 12" transfer paper - $1.00 10" x 12" heat transfer vinyl - $1.50 12" x 12" cardstock - $.40
Laser Cutter
Half sheet or full sheet
12 x 24" Baltic Birch Plywood - $4.00
12" x 24" Hard Maple - $21.00
12" x 24" Walnut - $23.00
12" x 24" Cherry - $21.00
12” x 24” leather-like sheet - $4
11" x 17" Chipboard - $.10
Other materials
Pint Glass - $1.00
Stemless Wine Glass - $2.00
Leather-like notebook - $6.00
Leather-like coasters - $1.50
Sublimation Paper (8.5 x 11) - $1.00
Sublimation Paper (11 x 17) - $2.00
Can I bring in my own materials?
Yes. For safety, all materials must first be approved by Digital Services staff before they are used with the Library's equipment. If any material is questionable or unknown to staff, we may refuse outside materials, but will make suggestions for a different choice of material, when appropriate. If you have questions about materials, please contact the Digital Services department.
If you would like to purchase your own materials, you might consider the vendors listed below, but please note that not all materials available for purchase can be used with our equipment.
In order to open the space up to more makers, there is a limit of 3 appointments, per person, per week (week runs Monday - Saturday). Only 3 appointments can be on the calendar at any given time. A cancelled appointment will count toward the weekly limit. Limitations are subject to change during peak times, notably during the months of November and December.
Independent use of MakerLab computers and software does not require an appointment.
Materials Purchased from the Library
See the chart below for details. Limitations reset after 30 days, unless otherwise noted. You may bring in your own materials, though limitations may still apply as we are not a replacement for a full-scale production facility. For questions, please contact Digital Services.
Staff are always amazed by the creativity used to create projects in MakerLab. Use the examples below to get inspiration for your next project, and check out our gift guide for even more examples.
Vendors if the Library isn't the right fit for your project
Manufacturing companies that work with individuals and small businesses can provide expanded services such as additional material choices or materials in larger sizes or quantities. If you are interested in learning more, you can find information about the companies below. The Library is not affiliated with any of these companies and this is not an endorsement of their services.
Ponoko: Laser cutting, injection molding, 3D printing, PCB fabrication
