Tualatin Public Library Makerspace

Welcome the Tualatin Public Library Makerspace home page! On this page you will find all the information necessary to get to know what is in the Makerspace, who can use it and how to get on the road to certification on some of our machines.

What is a Makerspace?

A Makerspace is a place in which people with shared interests, especially in technology, can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge. More specifically, the Tualatin Public Library Makerspace is a place to try out new tools, learn new techniques and share ideas with other makers in the Tualatin community. Let’s play, learn, and create together!

Why a Makerspace?

Tualatin Public Library is an active, vibrant space, and the makerspace furthers our mission of empowering and enriching our community through learning, discovery, and interaction. 

Through the makerspace, Tualatin Library seeks to enhance the equity of technology access for our community’s youth, improving their education, and to support an interest in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). The project is funded through the City of Tualatin, with support from the Tualatin Library Foundation.

The impetus for building a makerspace in the Tualatin Library stemmed from a community revitalization plan generated when Tualatin participated in the nationwide America’s Best Communities competition. The makerspace is also one of several revitalization projects included in Tualatin’s Parks & Recreation Master Plan.

Who can use the Makerspace?

Anyone with a signed waiver can use the Makerspace. There are certain items and activities that are available for any age. Some items require certification and are reserved for people ages 15 and up. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information on the Makerspace Use Policy or to access the online waiver forms, click here.

What’s in the Makerspace?

The Makerspace is stocked with machines and tools for doing various kinds of projects. Specifically, the Makerspace has the following: 

*Items require certification before independent use

To read an overview of each of these items and find out how to get certified, visit our Makerspace Tool Overviews page.

When are Makerspace open labs?

To check the current schedule of open labs and any other event or program in the Makerspace, visit the Library calendar.

Can I reserve the Makerspace for personal use?

Yes you can!

In order to reserve the space you must have a signed waiver for everyone in your party - limit 23 people - on file with the Makerspace. Waivers can be found here. In addition, 3D printers, Kilns and the Glowforge require certification as outlined on the Tools and Certification Overview page. Reservations that don't have a matching wavier and/or certification are subject to cancelation.

You can reserve the space for general use or can reserve the small 3D printer, the large 3D printer or the Glowforge. General use reservations are for 1 to 2 hours, the small 3D printer and the Glowforge are for 2 hours, and the large 3D printer is for 4 hours. Reservations are limited to one per day and can be made up to 2 weeks in advance.

3D prints need to be less than 24 hour run time. Costs are still associated for 3D filament beyond 40 grams and more than 20 square inches of draftboard for the Glowforge. Please ask a staff member if you need to pay for materials you have used.

To make a reservation, visit the scheduling page on Skedda. If you have not used this software before then you will need to create an account. 

When using the space, please keep in mind that there will not be staff to assist you. If you need 3D filament changed or Glowforge draftboard you may ask staff to get that for you. 

Please allow time at the end to clean up any projects you have worked on. Cleaning materials are provided. Failure to clean up may result in a revocation of privileges.

What can I make in the Makerspace?

If you need some inspiration, take a look at our Makerspace Projects page and see what people have been making with the provided tools.

What if I want to volunteer in the Makerspace?

Visit the Tualatin Public library volunteers page and read how to become a volunteer for the library. For any questions about volunteering contact the Library Volunteer Program Manager, Margaret Gunther at mgunther@tualatin.gov or 503-691-3070.

What if I have an idea for a program?

Contact Kit Lorelied, STEAM Librarian at klorelied@tualatin.gov or 503 691-3069.

Can I bring in donations?

We welcome donations, just know that not every item donated will necessarily be used in the Makerspace. It may be used in other parts of the library, be given to other organizations, or disposed of if not needed.

Small donations of a grocery bag size or less can be dropped off during open lab hours at the Makerspace. For large donations, email Kit Lorelied at klorelied@tualatin.gov with a description of what you wish to donate and we will evaluate the donation to determine if it is something we can use.

Questions?

Contact the library at tualatinmakerspace@gmail.com or Kit Lorelied at klorelied@tualatin.gov or 503 691-3069.

The Tualatin Public Makerspace is possible through the grants from the following organizations:

Tualatin Library Foundation

Tualatin Rotary Club

TE Connectivity

OnPoint Credit Union