The Makerspace inside the Michael Kusalaba Branch Library on Mahoning Ave. is now open. Using reasonable safety precautions, most Makerspace equipment will be available at this time, but the sound studio will not be available.
You’ll need to complete an orientation:
Visit Niche Academy and log in or create a free account (click the person in the top right corner) with your library card. You must be logged in to complete the orientation.
Watch along on YouTube as we demonstrate how to use the Michael Kusalaba Makerspace. Learn some basics of designing in the Cricut Design Space, how to use the laminator, and much more.
What Can You Do in a PLYMC Technology Makerspace? LEARN… CREATE… COLLABORATE
Sound Studio
Please note: the Sound Studio is currently NOT OPEN. This sound studio includes a piano, guitars, drums, microphones, a StudioLive mixing board, and recording software. You may bring your own instrument.
Cricut Maker
This die cutter machine is used for cutting paper, felt, vinyl, and fabric for card making, paper crafting scrapbooking, and more! Please bring in your own materials to use with the machine.
Create your own design by using our Vinyl Printer (there is a cost involved.) Then transfer your design onto a T-shirt, hat, mug or plate by using our Zeny Heat Press for free. You supply the item, which must fit the 11.5” x 15” heat plate on the press.
Use the laser engraver to create something fun for yourself or your home. Etch a glass plate, make a coaster or a bookmark—there are lots of possibilities! Engrave on wood, leather, glass or other materials as long as they are on our list of approved materials. You provide the material; we approve it for your project.
Use the Ellison Machine and available dies to cut out different shapes, such as an apple, pumpkin, or maple leaf! The Ellison works by pressing a die along with an approved material to easily cut out a shape. Select bookmark and puppet dies are also available. Click below for a full list of dies and approved materials. You must bring in your own materials for this station.
Use the vinyl printer to make a banner, a window cling or fabric cling to make a sign, decorate your home, etc. The Library provides the material. Any material currently available is $2.00 per linear foot. (Acceptable materials are Removable Vinyl, Clear and White Static Cling, Permanent Adhesive, Vinyl Banner Matte and Gloss, and White Paper Gloss.)
Have an old music cassette, vinyl record or a videocassette that you want to convert to a CD or DVD? Use our Funai Combo VCR/DVD Recorder or our Teac LP/CD Recorder and Cassette Turntable to update your favorite items to current formats. Bring your own CDs or DVDs or buy them from us: CDs cost 25¢ and DVDs cost 35¢.
Once you have your design, use the 3D Printer to make a model of your product or a prototype of your idea. The charge for an item will be 25¢ per ¼ hour (rounded up) of printing time. Print area is 5.9 in L x 5.9 in W x 5.9 in H.
Want to replicate an object? Use the 3D scanner to scan a small object to print on the 3D printer. Maximum object parameters: 6.6 lbs, 9.8 inches Height, 7 inches Diameter.
Lamination
Want to Laminate documents, posters, or keepsakes? Use the 27” laminator for $1 per foot or the small laminator to laminate items 8½ x 11 or smaller for $.15 per pouch.
Costs and Approved Materials List
There are no charges to reserve or use the PLYMC Makerspace equipment, however users must pay for materials purchased in the Makerspace for the items they create.
Consumable Materials:
Equipment
Product
Cost
Button Maker
Button (1 inch)
25¢
Button (2.25 inch)
25¢
Button (3 inch)
25¢
Flash Drive
Flash Drive
$5
Music Conversion Station
CD-ROM
25¢
VHS Conversion Station
DVD
35¢
Laminator – 8 1/2″ x 11″
Laminates small to page size items
15¢ per pouch
Laminator – 27″
Laminates poster size items
$1 per foot
Vinyl Printer
All Vinyls
$1 per 6”
3D Printer
Filament
25¢ per ¼ hour (rounded up)
Laser Engraver
Various Sizes of Acrylic Sheeting
$10 per sheet
Project costs must be paid at the staff desk in the Makerspace area before beginning the project. Projects can be paid for in cash or by credit card.
Approved Materials:
Only certain materials may be used in the PLYMC Technology Makerspace due to safety concerns and environmental issues.
Filament for the 3D printer, vinyl cutter materials, lamination materials, and buttons for the button press are sold by the library and outside material cannot be used for these devices.
The Library encourages users of the Makerspace to bring their own materials for the laser engraver, heat press, and music conversion station. All outside materials MUST be approved by library staff in the Makerspace before beginning a project.
Approved Materials for the Laser Engraver:
Anodized Aluminum Cardboard – non-corrugated only Cardstock Cork Glass Leather (Not Imitation!) Marble and other stone Stainless Steel w/Cerdec Coating Wood (No wood treated for outside use) Glowforge Proofgrade Materials
Any material not explicitly listed above may NOT be used in the PLYMC Technology Makerspace.
