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 such as the Glowforge and 3D printer are 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.
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.
View our 3D Printing page to learn how to design and submit a 3D model for printing.
3D Printing
Available to GPLD cardholders only
The 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.
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 that this device is only compatible 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).
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. More materials may be available in the future.
Patrons are welcome to bring in their 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.
Patrons are also allowed to bring in their 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. Staff 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.
Set up a one-on-one appointment with our staff or attend a program to make your ideas a reality.
Make an Appointment
Yarn is available in the Makerspace for patron use, though you are welcome to bring your own. Recommended thickness 3.5mm to 5mm (Light/DK to Medium).
Limit of 5 lamination pouches per day.
Available to GPLD cardholders only
The 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.
Make an appointment to receive one-on-one assistance in using this equipment.
Make an Appointment
Available to GPLD cardholders only
The 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.
Please note, an appointment is required to use this piece of equipment.
Make an Appointment
The 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.
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.
Please note, an appointment is required to use this piece of equipment.
Make an Appointment
Available to GPLD Cardholders only
The 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.
All prints (excluding Project of the Month) will be charged $2.00 per 8.5 x 11 inch sublimation sheet.
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 a receipt or manufacturer information for any purchased blanks so staff can approve them for use with our printer.
Make an Appointment
Dates: April 6, 2026 to April 24, 2026
Description: Create your own planter—no experience needed! Using Tinkercad.com, a simple and beginner-friendly design website, you'll learn how to design a digital planter with help every step of the way. Choose from a variety of filament colors, including special seasonal options. Once your design is ready, you can watch it come to life on our new Bambu Lab 3D printer. We'll guide you through the entire process—from design to printing—so you can learn at your own pace and leave with a unique planter!
Dates: May 4, 2026 to May 22, 2026
Description: Learn about the library's new sublimation printer and sublimate an image of your choice onto wind spinners! Basic computer skills required. Materials provided by the library.
Dates: June 1, 2026 to June 26, 2026
Description: Come use the Glowforge to engrave circle or square shaped slate coasters! Basic computer skills required. Materials provided by the library.
Dates: July 6, 2026 to July 24, 2026
Description: Come learn to use the Silhouette Cameo to cut vinyl and personalize a storage bin for your summer needs! We will guide you through how to set up a custom design created by you. Basic computer skills required.
Dates: August 3, 2026 to August 21, 2026
Description: Come learn about sublimation printing by customizing your own tote bag! Participants may bring their own photographs or drawings as digital files on a flash drive or access them through a cloud service. Basic computer skills required.
• 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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