Maker Services Improvements
Beginning March 30, makers of all skill levels will be able to access BPL’s three creative maker spaces in new ways designed to better match their needs, experience, and projects.
New MakerSpace Hours
BPL’s MakerSpace at Central Branch is a hands-on creative studio where you can design projects, use specialized equipment, experiment with new techniques, and build digital skills.
MakerSpace welcomes everyone—from first-time users to experienced makers—and we know that the level of staff support needed can vary widely. To better support all users, we’re introducing two types of studio hours based on MakerSpace familiarity: All Levels Access and Experienced Access.
All Levels Access
This service is open to everyone, from beginners to advanced users.
Library staff are available to provide guidance, orientation, and troubleshooting support for design software and equipment.
The laser cutter is available only during All Levels Access time slots.
All Levels Access Hours
- Monday: 2pm–4:30pm
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 2pm–8:30pm
- Thursday: 10am–8:30pm
- Friday: 10am–2pm
- Saturday: 10am–4:30pm
- Closed Sunday
Experienced Access
This service is designed for advanced, self-directed users who are comfortable working independently.
Makers must be able to design and use equipment without staff assistance, as staff support is not available during these hours.
Makers must check in with 3rd Floor staff to access the space and purchase supplies.
Experienced Access Hours
- Monday: 10am–2pm
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 10am–2pm
- Friday: 2pm–4:30pm
- Closed Sunday
New Maker Services Booking System
Also beginning March 30, we’re launching a new booking system for Central’s MakerSpace and Alton’s MakerStation. This system will feel familiar to members who already reserve free meeting space, rent library rooms, or use MakerStudio at New Appleby Branch.
Advance booking is strongly encouraged for all BPL maker spaces. Customers can reserve time with equipment by booking online through our reservation system. Be sure to review the Terms of Use and select the appropriate access level when reserving.
Walk-in customers are welcome, but all visitors must first check in with staff before using equipment to confirm availability. Please note that the 3D printer cannot be reserved and is available on a first-come, first-served basis due to variable printing times.
To help ensure fair access for all makers, weekly booking limits apply to equipment reservations.
- Weekly booking limits apply: six hours (360) minutes) per piece of equipment each week (Monday to Saturday), with some exceptions:
- MakerSpace embroidery machine is available for up to four hours (240 minutes).
- Laser Cutter and Vinyl Printer/Cutter has a two-bookings-per-day limit.
- Reservations are available in 30-minute booking blocks.
- Please cancel your reservation in advance if you are unable to attend. Missed (uncancelled) appointments still count toward your weekly time limit.
As part of the transition, bookings can be made up to two weeks in advance, starting March 16.
Tips for a Great MakerSpace Experience
- Be safe—review guides and instructions before using equipment.
- Create responsibly; unsafe, harmful, rude, or illegal content is not permitted.
- Choose projects that match your skill level and build confidence with simple designs before moving on to more complex work.
- Food is not permitted, and drinks must be in spill-proof containers.
- Save all design files to your own device.
- Children under 12 must be supervised by an adult.
