The Calvert Library Makerspace is a community space where high-quality, professional-grade tools are provided for users to design, engineer, fabricate and learn. All skill levels are welcome—it is a safe do-it-yourself environment where failure is just another step in the learning process. After initial certification, learning will often be self-directed but Calvert Library staff and volunteers will be available for troubleshooting and to provide guidance. For a more in-depth training experience, users may make a one-to-one appointment with a staff member or volunteer to explore a specific piece of Makerspace equipment.
Who may use the Makerspace?
The Makerspace is for ages 8 – adult. Children ages 8 – 11 may work with an equipment-certified adult to use the machines in the Makerspace but may not operate the equipment themselves. Children ages 12 – 15 may operate machinery with the assistance of an equipment-certified adult. Adults must be actively supervising any minors in their care and there may not be more than three minors to each supervising adult. Persons aged 16 and older may operate any of the available equipment after certification.
A library card is required to use Makerspace equipment and all users must be certified to use select equipment.
Programs held in the Makerspace will be led by an instructor and may also have age restrictions depending on the equipment used or the content of the program. A library card is not required to attend programs.
Will there be a cost to use the Makerspace?
The use of the Makerspace is free. However, there will be a cost for some consumables such as filament for the 3D printer or ink and materials for the vinyl printer. Please see the cost list.
Users may bring their own materials for use on the laser etcher, laminator, Silhouette Cameo and sewing machines. A small supply of materials may be available for purchase, as supplies last. All customer-supplied materials must be from the approved list of materials.
What are the hours of the Makerspace?
The Makerspace is open during regular library hours but closes 30 minutes before the building closes to allow for cleanup and maintenance of equipment. The space may be used for a staff-led class or training. Please consult the calendar for any scheduled activities.
More frequently asked questions
Some equipment requires certification before independent use (laser cutter, vinyl printer, sewing machines). Library staff will run machine-specific safety and use certification programs. Please see the library events calendar for upcoming certification programs. An online learning option with a required in-person test for certification will also be available.
Customers are responsible for providing their materials for the laser cutter, as well as materials needed for sewing projects.
Users may bring their own materials for the laser etcher, laminator and Silhouette Cameo, but these materials must be from the approved list of materials. A limited supply of materials will be available for purchase as supplies last.
Customers planning on using the sewing machines should bring their own materials but sewing kits that include durable tools such as shears, rotary cutters, etc. will be available for use at no cost. See sewing machine description for complete list of sewing kit provided.
Customers do not need to bring their own materials for use with the 3D printer, vinyl printer or laminator. However, there are material charges associated with the use of those machines. See our materials price list for more information.
Calvert Library offers a variety of programs to introduce customers to software and equipment available for use in the Makerspace. Staff are also happy to answer questions and provide guidance, when possible, related to specific projects. However, library staff will not create, design or fabricate custom jobs for customers.
The Makerspace is for ages 8 – adult. Children ages 8 – 11 may work with an equipment-certified adult to use the machines in the Makerspace but may not operate the equipment themselves. Children ages 12 – 15 may operate machinery once equipment-certified and with the assistance of an equipment-certified adult. Adults must be actively supervising any minors in their care and there may not be more than 3 minors to each supervising adult.
Persons aged 16 and older may operate any of the available equipment once certified.
No children under the age of 8 may enter the Makerspace, including small children in arms or in strollers. This restriction has been implemented to ensure customer safety and for liability and risk management reasons.
Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance for equipment in the Makerspace. Non-booked reservable equipment may be available on a walk-in basis but availability cannot be guaranteed without a reservation. Equipment reservation time limits are listed on our equipment reservation page. To make an equipment reservation, visit the equipment reservation page or ask a librarian for help.
Reservable equipment may be booked for up to 2 hours at a time and customers may make up to three reservations per week on each piece of equipment. The Makerspace closes 30 minutes before the library closes for maintenance and cleanup of the equipment.
To use your time effectively, complete your design work before entering the Makerspace—only book time on the equipment for actual production time.
There is no fee for the use of equipment or software available in the Makerspace. There are charges for consumables for the laser etcher, 3D printer, laminator, Silhouette Cameo and vinyl printer related to the quantity or type of material used for each project. Calvert Library sells a limited selection of materials to help customers get started as supplies last.
There are no public storage areas in the Makerspace. Please bring your required materials each time you visit the Makerspace.
Only approved materials may be used on the laser etcher as many materials can be dangerous for users or may damage the equipment. Please see the list of approved materials for this equipment.
No food or drink may be brought into the Makerspace.
The Makerspace has a sewing machine, an embroidery machine and an overlock-serger available for customers to use. Basic cutting and sewing tools are also available for customer use. See the equipment page for details on each machine.
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