The Orion Township Public Library’s Makerspace offers space for library patrons to work on creative projects. We offer a variety of tools, equipment, and programs to encourage a hybrid of digital literacy and creativity.
Makerspace Hours and Use
The Makerspace is open daily and closes 30 minutes before the library closes. Equipment availability may vary.
During regular hours, librarians are unable to personally assist with use of Makerspace equipment. If you would like to like to learn how to use the equipment, please schedule an individual appointment with a Makerspace coordinator.
Makerspace Equipment
Audio Conversion
ION Audio Tape 2 PC – Quickly transfers music from tapes to MP3 format. This station also includes CD burning software.
Cricut
Cricut Explore Air – Cricut Explore machines cut a hundred different materials – everything from the most popular craft materials like cardstock, vinyl, and iron-on to specialty materials like glittery paper, polished foils, and bonded fabric.
Laser Cutter
Glowforge Basic – Glowforge uses a beam of light the width of a human hair to cut, engrave, and shape designs from a variety of materials like wood, leather, acrylic, and more. *Patrons must be 18 or older and complete a brief training session prior to using the Glowforge.
Glowforge User Tutorial (3rd party video)
Photo Conversion
Epson Perfection V800 Photo Scanner – Get the precise color and detail you need to digitally archive all your originals – with the Epson Perfection V800 Photo scanner. 6400 dpi resolution, a 4.0 Dmax and an innovative dual-lens scanning system ensure extraordinary results whether scanning slides, negatives, medium- or large-format film. Includes Adobe Photoshop for editing photos.
Sewing Machine
Brother Xl2600i Sewing Machine – Free-arm sewing machine with 25 built-in stitches.
Video Conversion
Toshiba DVD/VHS Recorder (DVR620) – With the Toshiba DVD/VHS recorder, you can easily convert all your VHS tapes onto DVD with the touch of a button. Includes chapter and labeling function to organize and label footage. Blank DVD’s are available for purchase at the circulation desk.
Elgato Video Capture – Digitize video from a VCR, camcorder, and other analogue video sources. Includes an easy to use walk-through guide.
Laminator
GBC Pinnacle 27 – Professionally laminate documents up to 27 inches in width. The cost is $0.25/ft.
Button Maker
Our button maker includes all the supplies needed to create quality pin-back buttons from print images in 1.25 in. and 2.25 in. sizes. Supplies can be purchased at the Adult Reference Desk (4 buttons for $1).
Button Maker Tutorial Video
3-D Printer
Print a wide variety of objects on our Pulse 3-D Printer. We have a selection of 8 colors of PLA filament to choose from.
Please complete the following request for a 3-D print. The Makerspace Librarian will contact you with the cost and estimated completion date. The maximum print time for one file submission is 8 hours. Your library card will be charged with the cost of the print. You are responsible for the full cost of the print, including misprints, even if you are unhappy with the result. Completed prints may be picked up via curbside service. Requests for print jobs that are deemed inappropriate by staff may be refused.
Makerspace Programs
A variety of group Makerspace programs are scheduled every month. You may register for Makerspace events in the library calendar.
Take and Make: Yarn Wrapped Love Sign
Saturday, February 13 from 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Adults
Learn to make a yarn wrapped "Love" sign for Valentine's Day with Creativebug.com. All Take and Make supplies for youth, teen, and adult programs will be available on a first come, first served basis starting at 9:30 am on the day of the program in the library lobby.
Take and Make: All Ages Makerspace
Saturday, March 27 from 12:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- All Ages
This makerspace program features a variety of maker projects for youth, teens, and adults. All Take and Make supplies will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 9:30 am on the day of the program.
Virtual: Intro to 3d Printing
Thursday, April 22 from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
- Adults
Using an interactive video from Lynda.com, learn to design and print 3-D objects with Tinkercad. You can use the library's 3-D printer from home and your registration comes with one free 3-D print! A link to the class will be emailed to registered patrons.
Sign up begins on Monday, March 1.
Equipment Training
If you are interested in learning how to use any of the equipment in the Makerspace, please fill out the form below to schedule an appointment. Requests must be completed at least 24 hours in advance to ensure staff availability. A Makerspace specialist will contact you to schedule the appointment.
Due to COVID restrictions, equipment training is not currently available.
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