Upcoming Events
Come by the Makerspace and learn how to embroider your name on fabric! Choose from a selection of fonts and colors, and build your skills with our embroidery machine.
Do you have general questions about your mobile device, computer or laptop? Do you want to set up an email address, but you’re not sure where to start? Would you like to learn how to download an eBook, audiobook, movie or music?
Book a one-on-one appointment to learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine: from setting it up properly, to sewing straight lines!
Learn how to use Tinkercad to build and manipulate 3D designs. In this class, we’ll go over merging and subtracting shapes, readying objects for 3D printing by adding supports and exporting files.
Explore and develop new ideas at the Makerspace, located on the second floor of the Library. A place for artists, tinkerers, techies, innovators and entrepreneurs alike, the Makerspace features technology that is sure to help you grow your creative ideas.
Projects are subject to approval by Makerspace Staff and materials used must fall within the approved materials guidelines.
Most of the equipment is available for use during Makerspace lab hours. Some devices can be checked out for up to five days with a valid library card.
For questions, please email makerspace@councilbluffslibrary.org.
Makerspace Hours
The Makerspace is generally open Monday through Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There may be times during those hours when a Library program requires the Makerspace to be closed.
Using Equipment in the Makerspace
Adults, 18 years or older, and Teens in 6th grade through 12th grade may use the Makerspace. Youth under 6th grade may use the Makerspace if they are accompanied by parent or guardian, who the Library will consider the responsible party, or if they are participating in a Library sponsored program. Individual equipment may have further age restrictions for use.
Certain tools, technology, and equipment require a process of certification prior to use. For the equipment that is only available for in-library use, a One-on-One Equipment Tutorial can be scheduled with a staff member. Once certified, patrons can reserve a Makerspace Station online.
Library staff must approve all patron-supplied materials before being used on or with Makerspace tools, technology, and equipment.
For further question, please contact email makerspace@councilbluffslibrary.org.
Borrowing Equipment
Some of the equipment in the lab is available for circulation, and can be checked out for up to five days with a valid library account. A patron must be over 18 years of age, and may check out no more than one piece of equipment and its accompanying accessories at a time. A patron must be certified to borrow Makerspace equipment. Requests to reserve Makerspace equipment can be made through our online form. The patron is required to sign an agreement and present it to the Technology Assistant Librarian before the equipment will be released.
There are no renewals on loans for equipment from the Makerspace Lab. Equipment loaned from the Makerspace Lab must be returned to the Makerspace or Reference Desk during regular hours of operation. Equipment may not be returned in the book drop. Patrons returning damaged or incomplete equipment will be charged the entire replacement cost for that item. Late, damaged, or missing materials will be billed to the patron by the City of Council Bluffs.
Pricing
The Library charges for certain consumable materials.
Filament 3D Printing: $0.10/GRAM (maximum print time of six hours)
Resin 3D Printing: $2.00 base price + $0.25/mL (maximum print time of six hours)
Lamination: $0.50/LINEAR FOOT (minimum charge of $1.00)
Large Format Printing: $0.75/LINEAR FOOT
Sublimation Printing: $1.00/PAGE
Blank CD: $0.50
Blank DVD: $1.00
Flash Drive: $3.00
Headphones: $1.00
Makerspace Lab Equipment
A resin 3D printer with maximum print dimensions of 115 mm x 65 mm x 155 mm.
An enclosed filament 3D printer, with maximum print dimensions of 256 mm x 256 mm x 256 mm, with 0.4mm nozzle, and removable textured build plate.
Compatible with most standard PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET, ABS, ASA filament.
Quickly make up to five copies of a CD or DVD.
An embroidery only machine that utilizes both preset fonts and images as well as custom designs.
With the El Gato Video Capture Card, any media that has RCA or S-Video outputs can be connected to a computer and saved in a digital format.
A sublimation printer for high-end heat transfers.
Makerspace Equipment for Available for Check Out
Did you know the library has a backyard movie night kit you can check out? All you need is an adult library card!
The Birding Kit includes a pair of binoculars and Birds of Iowa by Stan Tekiela.
The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is a digital SLR camera designed for still photography. It is also capable of recording video.
The Canon XA20 HD is a professional digital camcorder capable of recording in full HD resolution (1920 x 1080).
The Celluon PicoPro Projector is a portable projector great for camping trips and other remote outings. This projector is not intended for professional presentations.
The Fender Passport Venue is a professional speaker system available for organizational use only. The Rockville RGB 12S Bass is an accompanying accessory that may be checked out along with the Fender Passport Venue.