Makerspace

General Information

Ready to create? The Makerspace is open for reservations during regular library hours. New to the space? Come check it out during our Thursday walk-in hours from 3–5pm. Check the Events Calendar to ensure the space is open.

Diana G. Manley Makerspace

The Makerspace has two sides with different uses. The Manley side is where we have our 3D printers and laser engraving machine. To learn more about these machines or to submit a project, please click here.

Theresa K. Dozzi Makerspace

This side of the Makerspace is the arts and crafts area. We have sewing machines and supplies, paints, watercolors, Legos, a Circut machine and much more! For more information contact Makerspace Manager Lesley Smith.

Makerspace Age Policy

The Makerspace is restricted to ages 12 and up. This applies to anyone entering the space, not just equipment operators.

1. Safety is our top priority

Our Makerspace contains equipment that poses serious health risks requiring adolescent-level judgment and physical capability. This isn’t about maturity or responsibility of individual children, it’s about developmental factors that affect all children in this age group.

2. Specific hazards include and are not limited to:

∙ DF2 Resin Printer: Uses liquid chemicals that cause skin sensitization and allergic reactions on contact, releases fumes that irritate eyes and respiratory systems, and requires handling isopropyl alcohol and UV light during the cleaning/curing process

∙ Beambox 2 Laser Cutter: Operates at temperatures up to 400°F, can ignite materials requiring immediate emergency response

∙ Physical workspace: Our 24-inch work stools and equipment positioning make it difficult for younger children to maintain safe balance

3. Even children not operating equipment:

Are exposed to airborne chemical fumes from resin printing and laser cutting. Though these machines have built in filtration, the levels released can have an effect on young children. In emergency situations (fire, chemical spill), we need everyone in the space able to evacuate quickly and independently.

4. Manufacturers don’t specify age limits:

For this equipment, which means the responsibility falls on us to make appropriate safety decisions for our community. Similar educational makerspaces set age policies ranging from 12-14+ for comparable equipment. Our 12+ policy is professionally reasonable and prioritizes patron safety.

To read our full Makerspace policy click here.