Welcome to the Inspo-lab!
The Library’s makerspace, the Inspo-lab is available to use as individual drop-ins and by appointment (for both yellow items, and for groups of three or more).
- You must be 18 years of age or older, or with a guardian or caregiver, to use the Library’s
Inspo-lab and will need to sign an electronic waiver.
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AVAILABLE ANYTIME THE INSPO-LAB IS OPEN
Button Maker
Button kits are available 3 for $1 at the Circulation Desk.
Please make an appointment in our schedule link above if this is your first time using the button maker.
DIY Kits
DIY Kits – Printable PDF with Descriptions
- Bow Board Kit
- Calligraphy Kit
- *Crochet Kit
- Cross-Stitch Kit.
- Friendship Bracelet Kit
- Guitar Pick Kit
- *Knitting Kit
- Origami Kit
- Scratch Art Kit
- Spirograph Kit
- *Yarn Pom Pom Making Kit
- Zentangle Kit
*We have a limited amount of yarn available. If you’re looking for a certain color or amount, please bring your own.
Inkjet Printer for Iron Ons
You can purchase special iron on paper from craft stores like Joann, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, or even Amazon. This type of paper requires an inkjet printer and cannot be printed on the laser printers in the public area.
Laminator
You can laminate items up to 12 inches wide.
Laminator pouches are available at the Circulation Desk. $0.25/each for 9×11.5 or $0.50/each for 11.5×17.5
Rotary Paper Cutter
Yarn Swift and Ball Winder
Yarn swift and Ball Winder YouTube Instructions
If you have yarn that needs to be wound into a ball, stop in to use our swift and winder.
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REQUIRES AN APPOINTMENT
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
The Adobe Creative Cloud Suite features Adobe Express, Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Acrobat, Premiere Pro, and more.
You should have a working knowledge of these products as Library staff won’t be able to offer assistance.
Cricut Venture
Cricut Venture PDF Instructions
Cricut Venture Approved Materials
You must bring your own materials to cut. The Library has weeding tools and mats available.
Cricut Presses & Mug Press
We have several different sized Cricut presses (irons) and a mug press for all of your heat transfer needs.
Epson FastFoto Photo Scanner
Knitting Machine
Addi Knitting Machine YouTube Instructions
You must bring your own yarn to use with the knitting machine.
Sewing Machine
Sewing Machine YouTube Instructions
You must bring your own fabric. The Library has basic sewing tools available including scissors, thread, bobbins, pins, and clips.
VHS Converter
VHS Converter PDF Instructions
You will need at least 1G of flash drive space for every 2-hours of video you transfer.
Friendly note: It will take you two hours to transfer a two-hour video. You cannot speed up the process.
Sublimation Printer
A sublimation printer is a specialized digital printing device that uses heat to turn ink into gas, which then bonds with polyester-based fabrics or polymer-coated surfaces. It allows for vibrant, full-color, and durable, permanent, or scratch-resistant transfers.
You will need to provide your own sublimation paper.
Glowforge Aura
The Glowforge Aura Craft Laser is certified as a Class 1 laser product containing an embedded Class 4 laser.
Can safely print on any laser-compatible material, including the examples below. Glowforge recommends using Aura-compatible Proofgrade® materials for smart settings and perfect results. Proofgrade materials are specially sourced and lab-tested for creating prints safely at home.
Note: Most Proofgrade materials work beautifully with the Glowforge Aura, but Glowforge recommends against using Draftboard™, medium plywood, and clear, white, and blue acrylic. All other acrylic colors, and both Light and Thick plywoods, will work wonderfully. Learn more about laser-compatible materials here and see the collection of Aura-compatible Proofgrade materials here.
Here is a list of Library-approved Glowforge Aura materials.
Here is a video that you can watch that gives you an introduction to the Glowforge Aura. Start at the 11 minute mark to skip the machine setup process. The Library does have access to a Glowforge Premium account, so all images at Glowforge.com will be free to you when using the software at the Library.
Your first appointment using the Glowforge will require staff assistance. Staff will also need to verify the material you’re planning to use is Glowforge Aura compatible. Give us a call at 810-229-6571 x227 to get started.
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MANAGED BY STAFF AND REQUIRES A FILE UPLOAD
3D Printer
The Inspo-lab features a Bambu Labs Carbon X1 3D printer. You can submit a file to be printed by Library staff.
Guidelines for 3D Printing
- At this time, printing is free of charge.
- Objects must fit in a 10 in (256mm) X 10 in X 10 in build space, and have a build time of 8 hours or less.
- Only the Library’s PLA filament will be used. Only one color filament may be chosen from those available. PLA is a bioplastic made from corn. It may melt if exposed to high temperature (such as on a car dashboard in summer.)
- The 3D printer may be used only for non-commercial, lawful purposes. It may not be used to make material that is: forbidden by law; unsafe, harmful or dangerous; obscene, sexually explicit, or harmful to minors; or that violates the intellectual property rights of others. The library retains the right to refuse to print any object.
- A release of liability form is required.
Finding or Creating a Design
- You can download a pre-made design file from websites such as Thingiverse, Youmagine, or MakerWorld. Or try making your own design using free modeling software from a site like Tinkercad or Blender.
- Your design file must be in .3mf, .stl, .stp, .step, .amf, or .obj format.
- You can see how the Bambu Carbon X1 printer will handle your design by downloading Bambu Studio software for free.
Submit your Design
Click on the button below to upload your file and agree to the liability waiver. Library staff will review it and contact you for next steps.
Poster Printer
- For $5 each, we can print posters of any size up to 24×36. We can also print two 17×24 posters for the same fee. The printer used is a large format inkjet and the paper used is the equivalent of 20lb bond (similar to copy paper). If you need a banner longer than 36 inches, $5 will be added to increments beyond 36, 72, 108 inches. For example, if you need a poster that’s 24×100, the cost will be $15. Posters 24×42 will be $10.
- If you need a poster 11×17 or smaller, please use our public color printer for $0.50 per page.
- Payment will be taken at pickup.
Please allow 72 hours for all poster requests.