Loveland Public Library's makerspace is the ultimate creative experience for makers in the community. Featuring various equipment and numerous software, community members have no-cost access to making digital and physical creations. The makerspace is located on the 2nd floor across the hall from the Library, Technology and Innovation service desk.

To use the makerspace, you must have a Loveland Public Library library card. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Multiple makerspace stations are available to use with different equipment attached to each. Written and video instructional tutorials  are available for each piece of equipment in the makerspace. The makerspace features over 18 different software programs to use at no cost. Additional amenities are available to assist you with your appointments, such as items to check out and books to help you learn. 

Additional Amenities

Items Available for Checkout

Select makerspace equipment is available for check-out to use with a library card.

• 3D print support removal toolkit. In-library use only. View the instructions for removing supports.
• Tripods. In-library use only
• Rode Microphone. View or download the getting started guide. In-library use only.
• Canon EOS T7 Rebel DSLR camera. The library has created a quick-start guide for users. View or download the camera's user guide. YouTube is a particularly helpful tool for learning how to use the camera. In-library use only.
• Nikon D5300. May be checked-out for 1 week. Return to Technology Center service desk.
• Digital art pen and dial for the Microsoft Surface Studio. View the video to learn how to use the Surface for creating digital art.
• Linux laptop.

Books

Visit the makerspace reference book collection located outside the room, featuring books on Adobe software, Microsoft 365, Blender, photography, and more. Use titles during your makerspace appointment or check-out and take home its companion located on the first floor in the non-fiction section.

Software

Linux Laptop

The term “Linux” is commonly used to refer to a family of free Computer Operating Systems called "Linux Distributions" or "Distros" for short.

Linux has become a popular and growing alternative to other computer operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Apple Macintosh, and Google Chrome OS.

The use of Linux Distributions is part of a larger movement called the "Free and Open Source Software" movement or "FOSS" for short, as Linux and it’s associated software is free of cost, free of licenses, and open source.

Patrons may visit the makerspace to try out a wide range of Linux Desktop Distributions in real-time, using a dedicated laptop for this purpose. Check-out the laptop from the Technology Center service desk.

Select appointments may also be available for instruction from the library’s Digital Navigators.

Instructions and Tutorials

3D Printing

Patrons can learn how to print themselves on a Lulzbot Sidekick 747. Anything you print during your reserved time in the makerspace is FREE! Print toys, gadgets, jewelry, prototypes, décor, figurines, tools, and more.

Print objects up to 3 hours with a build plate capacity of 150mm (length, height, width). Patrons must stay with their print until it is complete. Loveland Public Library allows larger and/or longer prints (4+ hours, 70+ grams of filament) when users work directly with a Digital Navigator during an appointment to facilitate using one of the bigger machines.

Instructions

View or download the instructions to learn how to 3D print and how to remove supports from 3D prints. Visit the Library's YouTube channel to watch the how-to video.

3D Models

Millions of free and paid models are available online on websites like Thingiverse, Printables, Makerworld, Cults3D, Free3D, Tinkercad gallery, MyMiniFactory, and Thangs. Loveland Public Library is not affiliated nor does it endorse any particular 3D model repository or its files.

Users may learn to make their own models using beginner software like Tinkercad  (available free online) or intermediate-advanced software like Blender, ZBrush, FreeCad, and Meshmixer available in the makerspace.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is done using a Snapmaker 2.0 laser engraver. Materials such as wood, MDF board, plastic, leather, acrylic, and more are available at the Library for patrons to use. Patrons may use up to 3 free pieces of material. Materials must be smaller than 320mm x 320mm. Additional materials may be brought in by patrons to engraved.

Laser projects must be completed during the duration of the appointment. The laser engraver cannot run overnight or without intermittent supervision.

Instructions

View or download the instructions to learn how to use the laser engraver. Visit the Library's YouTube channel to watch the how-to video.

Photo, Slide, and Negative Scanner

Scan photos, images, documents, and film slides/negatives using the Epson Perfection V600 flatbed scanner. Scan images up to 8.5" by 11.7" in size at up to 6400 DPI. Scanner uses Epson Scan software which allows for digital color correction and visual restoration options of items scanned.

Supported film size is 35mm for slides, 35mm for film negative strips, and 6 x 22cm medium format film. Checkout the insert tray kit from Library Technology staff.

Instructions

View or download the instructions to learn how to scan film slides. View or download the instructions to learn how to scan film negatives. Video instructions are forthcoming.

Digital Audio Recording Interface

The Digital Audio Recording Interface features a Presonus Studio 1824x interface and external studio quality speakers and headphones. Check out the recording kit from staff, featuring Audio Technica microphones, mounts, XLR cables, and more.

Akai MIDI keyboard forthcoming.

Pair with Logic Pro, Avid Pro Tools, Studio One 6, GarageBand, or Audacity softwares to complete your audio project.

Instructions

View or download the instructions to learn how to get started with audio recording and the digital audio interface. View instructions forthcoming.

2D Art Digitizer

Digitize your artwork, paintings, portraits, and more!

The 2D art digitizer is a height-adjustable gantry with a 2-point light setup using a 35 megapixel Nikon D3500 Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Camera. 

The art digitizer pairs with camera-tethering software Smartshooter to shoot high-resolution photos of your artwork, allowing for light, color, and image format adjustments. Image files can be exported in standard JPG, high resolution JPG, loss-less NEF, and edited using available creative software.

Instructions

View or download the instructions to learn how to use the 2D art digitizer. Visit the Library's YouTube channel to watch the how-to video.