We offer several different Tech Toys that are available to use via appointment with our Innovations Librarian. To set an appointment or to schedule a demo, please click the button below and fill out the form. All appointments are made a week in advance.
Schedule an appointment or demo here!
About our Tech Toys
3D Printing
What is 3D Printing?
The action or process of making a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down many thin layers of a material in succession.
What does it cost?
$0.10 per gram of filament.
What Colors are available?
White, Black, Green, Red, Yellow, Orange, Blue
*Availability of Colors are subject to change
What types of filament are available?
PLA and PETG
CNC Machines
What is a Glowforge?
A Glowforge is a laser cutting and engraving CNC machine. Patrons are required to supply their materials, while we supply access to the machine.
What materials can be used?
Wood-based materials (Draftboard, hardwoods, plywood)
Acrylic
Leather
What does it cost?
The Glowforge is free! The only cost associated with use is the purchasing of materials. Don’t know what to buy? Our Innovations Librarian can provide insight into what materials to purchase.
What is a Cricut?
Cricut usually refers to a Cricut-branded item. We currently possess both a Cricut Maker and a Cricut Mug Press.
Our Cricut Maker can be used as a tool for cutting, scoring, writing, and adding decorative effects to projects.
Our Cricut Mug Press can be used in tandem with the Sublimation Printer or with Iron-on materials.
Materials able to cut;
Paper, including cardstock, poster board, glitter paper, photo paper, cardboard
sticker paper.
Vinyl, including glitter, stencil holographic, outdoor, and chalkboard vinyl.
Iron-on material.
Fabric, including burlap, denim, silk, oilcloth, polyester, and leather.
What are the costs?
The only cost associated is the material you must
purchase to use the machine.
Sublimation
Sublimation Printer
What is Sublimation Printing?
Sublimation printing is a specific process that first involves printing onto a special sheet of paper, then transferring that image onto a polyester or sublimation treated substrate.
What are the applications?
Transfer paper sheets can be heat-pressed to many different objects and polyester-based materials. This includes:
- Sublimation Treated Mugs
- Polyester Bags
- Polyester Shirts
- Sublimation Treated Ceramics and Surfaces.
White fabrics work best for the Sublimation Process. Black and dark colored fabrics will not sublimate.
What are the costs?
Currently, we offer Sublimation Treated Mugs and Tumblers at $4 a piece. This is a flat rate/fee for a custom product. We provide 5 free sheets of transfer paper per visit. After the first five, we charge $1 per sheet.
Like the Glowforge, you are welcome to set up an appointment with your materials at no cost.
Heat Presses
What is a Cricut Mug Press?
A Cricut Mug press can be used to apply sublimated prints to a mug or tumbler substrate.
What does it Cost?
Mugs and Tumblers are offered on site for $4 each.
What is a Clamshell Press?
A Clamshell press is a machine that uses heat and pressure to transfer materials over to a substrate.
What is the Cost?
There is no cost associated with the use of this machine.
Sewing Machines
Sewing Machine
Janome 1522PG
What is a sewing machine?
A sewing machine is a machine used to sew fabric and materials together with thread.
What are the costs?
The only costs associated with the machine is the cost of materials. Patrons supply thread and materials.
Thread Recommendation:
We recommend Coats & Clark thread for our sewing machines.
Sewing Machine
Brother 1034D Serger
What is a Serger?
A Serger, also known as an overlocker, is a specialty sewing machine that uses multiple threads to sew fabric together and finish the edges. They can be used for construction, finishing, or both. Sergers are fast and they cut, sew and finish all in one step. Limitations apply to the types of materials used with this machine.
What are the costs?
The only costs associated with this machine are the costs of materials and thread.
Thread Recommendation:
We recommend Maxi-Lock Serger Thread for our Serger machine.
3D Scanner
What is a 3D Scanner?
A three-dimensional scanner is a device that captures data about the shape and appearance of real-world objects to create 3D models of them. 3D scanners for consumer use are low-cost, easy-to-operate devices that provide basic scan, capture and export of 3D images.
The MIRACO can capture both large and small items, and is a great entry level device for those who are just starting to learn about 3D Scanners. The device doesn't require a pc to function, and is extremely easy to use.
What can you do with a 3D Scanner?
3D Scanners can be used to create replicas of smaller items, board game pieces, and digital preservation of physical objects.
What are the costs?
None!
Rug Tufting
Frames and Rug Tufting Machines
What is Rug Tufting?
Rug tufting is a detailed art form that involves threading loops of yarn or fabric through a backing material to form textured designs or patterns. While this technique has existed for centuries, advancements in modern tools and technology have made the process more straightforward and widely accessible.
What can you make?
From table center pieces, wall decorations, to floor mats. Rug tufting provides users with they opportunity to create unique and wonderful pieces of art that can be used in a number of different ways.
How difficult is Rug Tufting?
Rug tufting is an approachable and forgiving craft! While it’s easy to learn the basics, mastering the skill takes time and practice. The library offers a welcoming space where you can refine your techniques and explore new methods to elevate your craft.
What is the cost?
We offer the frames, Rug Tufting machines, and Glue. The monk cloth and yarn is provided by the patron.
Looking for Yarn and Monk Cloth?
We use Red Heart for our yarn and this Monk Cloth in our programming. Monk Cloth and Yarn can also be purchase at hobby stores. For decorative pieces, your best value is Acrylic yarn. For pieces that will be walked upon or used in more than a display, Wool is the best material.
Embroidery Machine
Brother PE 900
What is an Embroidery Machine?
The Brother PE900 is a dedicated embroidery machine tailored for enthusiasts seeking advanced features and user-friendly operation. It boasts a spacious 5" x 7" embroidery area, accommodating larger and more intricate designs. With 193 built-in embroidery designs and 13 fonts, users have a diverse selection at their fingertips. The machine's 3.7” color LCD touchscreen facilitates easy on-screen editing, including resizing, rotating, and combining designs. Wireless LAN connectivity allows for seamless design transfers via the Artspira app or Design Database Transfer software, eliminating the need for USB drives. Additional features like automatic needle threading, jump stitch trimming, and color sort enhance efficiency and precision, making the PE900 a versatile choice for both beginners and seasoned embroiderers
What is the cost?
While there is no cost associated with using the machine, thread must be supplied by the patron. We recommend this thread for general projects.
Other Items
Button Maker
Our button maker is open to the public for use. This
Easy to use button-making system allows users to start making in no time.
What are the costs?
Each button costs $ 0.25.
Buttons are bought and paid for before using the machine.
Resources
For 3D Printing
 | Tinkercad: An amazing free Computer Aided Design Tool developed by Autodesk. Complex enough for design, simple enough to use. Website includes tutorials for new users. |
 | Thingiverse: A free library of downloadable STL files for 3D Printing. |
 | Cults3D: A library of free and paid 3D Models, requires a registered account to download files. |
For Image Manipulation
 | Canva: A web based graphical manipulation suite of tools, has both subscription and free services. |
 | Inkscape: A free and open-source vector graphics editor. |
 | GIMP: a free and open-source raster graphics editor used for image manipulation and image editing, free-form drawing, transcoding between different image file formats, and more specialized tasks. |
