Welcome to NPL’s Maker Lab!

We invite all Makers use the Maker Lab to explore different STEAM (Science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) subjects in an independent environment. Use our books, kits and equipment to try your hand at robotics, coding, painting, fiber arts (knitting, crochet, macramé, needle felting), sewing, leather crafting, architecture, and much more!

Maker Lab Hours

The Maker Lab will officially re-open on Tuesday, April 16th.

The Maker Lab is open during library hours, but will close half an hour prior to the library. The space will also be closed if a library program is scheduled in the space. Current Maker Lab hours will be posted on the door weekly. Keep an eye on the event calendar for some special maker lab programs this summer!

Becoming a Maker

To become a Maker a signed waiver must be on file. All waivers are good for the calendar year in which they are signed. Waivers can be found at the circulation desk. By signing you are agreeing to adhere to the rules of the Maker Lab and are responsible for any damage. Any patrons who are visiting from an institution must follow the same guidelines as you would applying for a library card as outlined in the Borrowing Policy.

• First time adult patrons must sign the Liability Waiver.
• Minor patrons under eighteen (18) years old must have a parent, guardian or other person with appropriate legal authority with them to sign the same Waiver.
• Patrons under twelve (12) years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times unless the child is attending a structured library program in the Maker Lab that has been designated as a drop off program.
  

Guidelines for Use

• Check in at the circulation desk for every visit.
• Follow all safety guidelines as outlined in the Maker Lab Policy or as posted on equipment and in the Maker Lab.
• Ask a staff member if you need help or to report an accident/incident.
• No food or drink is allowed in the Maker Lab.
• If someone is waiting to use the same equipment please be mindful and limit your time to 30 minutes.
• Makers are welcome to bring in their own supplies to work in conjunction with equipment that is available in the Maker Lab (ex: fabric and sewing notions, an object/canvas to paint, filament for use with the 3d pens or printer). If you are unsure if an item would be allowed please contact Courtney, [email protected]. 
• There are bins available to hold works in progress for 72 hours (not including days the library is closed). Makers must label the box with their first name and last initial and the date. After 72 hours any projects that remain will be disposed of. 
• Makers are responsible for cleaning up their work space and any tools and equipment, All supplies, tools, and equipment must be returned to the appropriate cabinet.

How to Request a 3D Print

• The 3D printers are available for patrons to request files to be printed.
• Projects can be browsed and files downloaded from the Thingiverse website. Files should be in the .stl format.
• Projects are limited to those that take 8 hours or less to print, but this is subject to change based on the number of requests in the queue and the materials that are available.
• NPL does not guarantee patron privacy during the 3D printing process as printing is done in a shared public space.
• Send print requests to the Information Systems Administrator, David Sok, [email protected]. 
• All print jobs must be scheduled in advance and approved by staff to ensure the file format, size and materials are correct. Patrons will be contacted when their print is complete, please allow several days for completion.

The Maker Lab is funded through a LSTA grant received from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, a donation from ThermoFisher Scientific, and Norfolk Public Library.