You choose what to create; we help make it happen in the Main Library Creative Studio! Patrons ages 14+ can work on self-directed projects, while ages 13 and under require an adult caregiver. See what community members have been creating »
From anywhere: Submit a 3D or poster print request (available anytime)
3D printing: Upload your 3D printing request.
Poster printing: You send the file; we print it for you.
Studio A: Drop in during Open Hours (available 5 days a week)
Everything is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Machines are powered down and tools are collected 10 minutes before the end of each open-hours session. No storage space is available for projects; all projects must be taken with you at the end of each session.
Cutting plotters (Cricut & Cameo): DIY equipment and software to design and cut materials—including sticky vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, and cardstock.
Laminator: Protect and preserve documents using a thermal laminator—only library-provided laminating pouches permitted (up to five pouches provided a month).
Laser cutter (Glowforge): Design and cut, score, or engrave approved materials including plywood, hardwoods, and acrylics.
Music Bench: Create music with a 25-key Arturia MiniLab keyboard and a laptop equipped with Ableton Live Lite music recording software.
NEW! Sublimation Printer & Heat Presses: Put full-color designs or even photographs on items like mugs and t-shirts.
Studio A Open Hours
| MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | 3-7 pm | 1-5 pm | 1-5 pm | 1-5 pm | — | 12-5 pm |
Studio B: Make a reservation (available daily)
These media stations are do-it-yourself environments; the Audio Booth requires library staff-led training before your first reservation.
Audio Booth: Record and edit music and podcasts in this acoustically treated space.
Media Editing Station: Edit photos and videos using Adobe Creative Cloud software.
Media Preservation Station: Digitize VHS tapes, cassettes, film negatives, and more.
Times you can make a reservation at the Main Library
| MONDAY | TUESDAY | WEDNESDAY | THURSDAY | FRIDAY | SATURDAY | SUNDAY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 am-8:30 pm | 9 am-8:30 pm | 9 am-8:30 pm | 9 am-8:30 pm | 9 am-5:30 pm | 9 am-4:30 pm | 12-4:30 pm |
Learn how to use what’s inside
Interested in learning more about how to use the Creative Studio?
The Creative Studio was made possible in part through a $25,000 grant from the Illinois State Library, thanks to the advocacy of State Representative La Shawn K. Ford. We are grateful for his continued support of our library!
