Makerspace
Get inspired and bring your ideas to life in the Library’s Makerspace! Our newly renovated Makerspace is ready to welcome makers of all experience levels, offering a creative space to explore, experiment, and create.
The Makerspace is open for drop-in use and welcomes all patrons. Please note that select equipment is available exclusively to GPLD cardholders. Patrons ages 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. We encourage all users to review our Makerspace, 3D Printing, and Studio Use Policy for guidelines and expectations.
Materials may be available for purchase by GPLD cardholders for use with Makerspace equipment. Fees help offset material costs and support hands-on learning and creative experiences in the Makerspace. Materials are not available for standalone purchase.
For those seeking dedicated time or personalized support, priority access to equipment and one-on-one staff assistance may be reserved in advance through our Maker Appointment calendar. If you have questions or would like assistance scheduling an appointment, please contact us at 630-232-0780 or appointments@gpld.org.
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Available to GPLD cardholders only
Our Bambu Lab X1C is able to transform digital 3D models into custom PLA plastic pieces. Design your own project in a 3D modeling program or explore ready-made models created by makers around the world, submit your model via our 3D print submission form, and we will notify you when your print is ready for pick-up.
Accepted Materials:
Library provided materials only
Available Materials:
PLA filament in a variety of colors: $0.10 per gram of material
View our 3D Printing page to learn how to design and submit a 3D model for printing.
3D Printing
Accepted Materials:
Library provided materials only
Available Materials:
First 5 buttons: Free
Additional buttons: $1.00 for 10
Available to GPLD cardholders only
Our Cricut Hat Press features a curved, ceramic-coated heat plate with three heat settings up to 400ºF (205ºC), making it easy to create smooth, wrinkle-free heat transfers on a variety of hats. The included Cricut Hat Pressing Form provides the ideal surface for pressing almost any style. Use it with most major brands of iron-on (HTV) and Infusible Ink to personalize your next project.
Accepted Materials:
Library or patron provided materials (with staff approval)
Available to GPLD cardholders only
Create personalized mugs easily with our Circut Mug Press. Create your custom design using our sublimation print, and then simply use our press to attach your design. Please note this device can only be used with compatible sublimation printer mug blanks, poly-coated, 11 - 16 oz (350 - 470 ml) straight wall only; 82-86 mm diameter mugs +/- 1 mm (3.2-3.4 in).
Accepted Materials:
Library or patron provided materials (with staff approval)
Available to GPLD cardholders only
Add a personal touch to clothes and other cloth projects with our Brother NQ1700E Embroidery Machine. Choose from over 200 built-in designs, or create a custom design with our Hatch embroidery software.
Accepted Materials:
Library or patron provided materials (with staff approval)
Available Materials:
Polyester embroidery thread, first 0 - 10,000 stitches: Free
Polyester embroidery thread: $0.10 per 1,000 stitches after the first 10,000
Stabilizer: $0.15 per 10" x 12" sheet
Specifications for Patron Materials:
You may bring in your own stabilizer and fabric items to embroider. Library provided embroidery thread must be used with the machine.
Please note, an appointment is required to use this piece of equipment.
Make an Appointment
Available to GPLD cardholders only
The Glowforge is a laser cutting and engraving machine that can create endless practical and beautiful crafts out of Proofgrade wood.
Accepted Materials:
Library or patron provided materials (with staff approval)
Available Materials:
Slate coasters (circle or square): $1.00 each
Wood coasters (circle or square): $1.00 for 2
Specifications for Patron Materials:
You may bring in your own Proofgrade materials for use with our Glowforge. Acceptable Proofgrade materials include:
• Proofgrade Acrylic
• Proofgrade Leather
• Proofgrade Plywood
• Proofgrade Hardwood
• Proofgrade Veneer
Proofgrade materials are specifically cut and designed to work with a Glowforge, allowing for seamless operation and flawless engraving. These materials can be either ordered from Glowforge, or purchased from many craft suppliers.
You may also bring in your own non-Proofgrade woods. Non-Proofgrade woods must be raw/unfinished, have a thickness between 3/25 inch and 2 inches (for engraving only) or 3/25 inch and 1/4 inch (for cutting), and be no larger than 12 inches by 20 inches. We will need to approve any materials before they can be used with our Glowforge. We highly recommend you bring packaging details of any purchased materials with you.
Please note, an appointment is required to use this piece of equipment.
Make an Appointment
Accepted Materials:
Library or patron materials (with staff approval)
Accepted Materials:
Library or patron provided materials (with staff approval)
Available Materials:
Yarn: Free
Specifications for Patron Materials:
Yarn with thickness of 3.5mm to 5mm (Light/DK to Medium)
Make an appointment to recieve one-on-one assistance in using this equipment.
Make an Appointment
Accepted Materials:
Library or patron provided materials (with staff approval)
Available Materials:
First 5 lamination pouches: Free (GPLD cardholders only)
Additional pouches: $1.00 for 10
Specifications for Patron Materials:
3 mil or 5 mil lamination pouches
Available to GPLD cardholders only
Our Janome DC1050 is a computerized sewing machine with 50 built-in stitches, memorized needle up/down, speed control slider, locking stitch button, easy reverse and a bright LCD screen with quick selection buttons. You can use this machine to hem pants, sew decorative stitches, make quilts, create buttonholes, and more.
Accepted Materials:
Library or patron provided materials (with staff approval)
Available Materials:
Cotton and polyester thread: Free
Bobbins and needles: Free
Specifications for Patron Materials:
You may bring your own cotton or polyester thread, as well as lightweight to medium-weight fabrics (no leather, heavy suede, duck canvas, thick straps/webbing, metals, or plastic-infused materials).
Please note, an appointment is required to use this piece of equipment.
Make an Appointment
Available to GPLD cardholders only
Our Electric Sizzix Big Shot die cut machines makes it easy to cut premade shapes from cardstock paper. It is a great tool for adding fun designs to scrapbooks, posters, homemade cards, and more. Explore our collection of dies and embossing kits — we have options for every season and creative style.
Accepted Materials:
Library or patron provided materials (with staff approval)
Available Materials:
Metal die cuts and various craft papers: Free
Specifications for Patron Materials:
You may bring in your own craft paper, cardstock, die cuts, and embossing pads. To prevent machine jams or roller damage, all outside dies, folders, and material thickness must be checked by staff to ensure the proper plate configuration ('sandwich') is used.
Please note, an appointment is required to use this piece of equipment.
Make an Appointment
Our Sidekick manual die cut machine makes it easy to cut premade shapes from cardstock paper. It is a great tool for adding fun designs to scrapbooks, posters, homemade cards, and more. Explore our collection of dies and embossing kits — we have options for every season and creative style. Accepted Materials:
Library or patron provided materials (with staff approval)
Available Materials:
Metal die cuts and various craft papers: Free
Specifications for Patron Materials:
You may bring in your own craft paper, cardstock, die cuts, and embossing pads. To prevent machine jams or roller damage, all outside dies, folders, and material thickness must be checked by staff to ensure the proper plate configuration ('sandwich') is used.
Available to GPLD cardholders only
The Cameo 4 is a precision cutting machine designed for both beginners and experienced makers. It can cut a wide range of materials, including heat-transfer vinyl, adhesive vinyl, cardstock, and more. Use the Silhouette Studio® software to import your own designs or start from scratch. Whether you're making vinyl decals, paper crafts, shape cutouts, or scrapbook elements, this cutter is a great way to add a personal touch to your projects.
Accepted Materials:
Library or patron provided materials (with staff approval)
Available Materials:
Adhesive vinyl (12" x 12"): $1.00 for 2 sheets
Iron-on vinyl (12" x 12"): $1.00 per sheet
Specifications for Patron Materials:
You may bring vinyl rolls no wider than 12” and materials no thicker than 3mm.
Please note, an appointment is required to use this piece of equipment.
Make an Appointment
Available to GPLD cardholders only
Our Epson SureColor F570 Pro 24 inch Sublimation Printer is a high-performance sublimation dye-transfer printer that easily transfers photographs, logos, text, and other custom designs onto coated blanks products.
Accepted Materials:
Library or patron provided materials (with staff approval)
Available Materials:
Transfer sheets (8.5" x 11"): $1.50 each
11oz sublimation compatible mugs: $1.00 each
Specifications for Patron Materials:
Sublimation blanks, such as shirts, tote bags, mouse pads, and more may be purchased from a number of craft suppliers, such as Michaels, Cricut, etc. Please make sure to bring in manufacturer information for any purchased blanks so staff can approve them for use with our printer.
Please note, an appointment is required to use this piece of equipment.
Make an Appointment
Accepted Materials:
Patron provided materials only
Dates: November 2, 2026 to November 20, 2026
Description: Learn how to use our Glowforge to engrave your custom design on a leather journal. Basic computer skills are required. Materials and guidance are provided by the library.
Dates: December 2, 2026 to December 21, 2026
Description: Register for an appointment to create a personalized gift using one of our favorite past Project of the Month activities. Choose from a variety of projects:
Available projects include:
- Engraving slate charcuterie boards
- Vinyl-decorated buckets and bins
- Knitting machine projects: hat or cup-cozy (using available yarn)
- Fabric projects such as reverse appliqué or bowl cozies
- Sublimation tote bags
- Sublimation memo journals
- Engraved journals
- Seasonal door décor (customize for family, holiday, or special occasions)
- 3D printed planters
- Embroidered iron-on patches
The Library will provide materials and guidance.
Dates: January 11, 2027 to January 29, 2027
Description: Register for an appointment to learn how to use the Addi Express Knitting Machine to make a reversible knitted hat. As a bonus, you can make and attach a pom-pom. The Library will provide an assortment of yarn, but you may bring your own. If you bring your own, we recommend yarn labeled light or DK weight (number 3-4) that is soft and has consistent thickness.
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Dates: February 8, 2027 to February 26, 2027
Description: Register for an appointment to learn how to transfer your own design onto polyester fabric using sublimation and then use the sewing machine to assemble and stuff your pillow. Create a one-of-a-kind keepsake featuring a beloved pet, a favorite family photo, a child's drawing, a meaningful quote, or your own original artwork. This project makes a thoughtful gift for loved ones near or far.
To make the most of your appointment, please have your image or design selected before you arrive. Bring your file on a flash drive or have it accessible on your personal device, email, or cloud storage account. Appointment time is intended for creating the project rather than designing artwork from scratch.
• Prohibited by local, state, or federal law;
• Unsafe, harmful, or dangerous, or that pose a threat to the well-being of others;
• Obscene or inappropriate for the Library environment;
• In violation of the terms of use of the manufacturer of the 3D printer or Makerspace equipment; or
• In violation of another person's property rights (e.g., reproducing copyrighted, patented, or trademarked materials).
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