Makerspace at the North IRC Library
The Makerspace is now open at the North IRC Library! The Makerspace is intended for use by families and adults to explore different Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics concepts through various tools, games, experiments and activities. The Makerspace also provides access to tools or materials patrons might not have at home, including a cricut machine, 3D printer, laser engraver, sewing machine, and more.
This is not a staff-led program. Patrons will be given the tools/materials and written instructions/access to video tutorials to work on their own. (Makerspace items are for in-house use only)
See below for a complete list of everything available.
To schedule your time to use the Makerspace call the Children's Department of the North IRC LIbrary at 772 400 6358
Rules & Guidelines for North County Makerspace
- Every person (adult and minor) in the room must have an agreement signed.
- One member of your party must sign in and out at each visit
- Maximum of 12 people in the room at a time.
- You (or your family/group) may register for one or two hour blocks. You may stay longer if no one is using the room after your scheduled time.
- You(or your family/group) may schedule up to 7 days in advance.
- One member of your party must show a library card, driver’s license or official ID in order to use the room. The individual providing ID assumes responsibility for replacement charges should they occur.
- There is no minimum age to be in the Makerspace. However Minors (17 and under) must have an adult patron with them at all times.
- Patrons are advised that the tools/activities in the Makerspace are intended for elementary age students and up, not pre-schoolers.
- Patrons/groups are only permitted to work with one project/kit/tool at a time. Staff will access the materials for the patrons.
- Patrons are NOT permitted to explore the bins/shelves or help themselves to materials.
- If children are not properly supervised and allowed to take things from bins/shelves etc, Makerspace privileges will be lost.
- Be advised that there is a security camera on at all times within the Makerspace. Staff will check the condition of the room and materials before patrons leave.
- Patrons are responsible for replacement of materials that are broken due to negligence, but not due to routine use.
- Water (only) is allowed in the Makerspace, and only on the designated table.
Though there are some minor exceptions, patrons are generally expected to bring in their own supplies to be used with the tools in the Makerspace. Ask staff on hand if you have any questions.
Makerspace Use Agreement Adults
Makerspace Use Agreement Minors
Makerspace Material/Supplies/Tools
Tools and Equipment
Laptop and Tablet
Cricut and Cricut Press
Use the Cricut Design Space software installed on the laptops to use the Cricut. Links to video tutorials can also be found on the desktop under “Cricut Tutorials.” Patrons must bring in their own vinyl/supplies to be used with the Cricut. Supplies can be found locally at Walmart, Michaels and on Amazon.
Laser Engraver
Video tutorial is folder titled “Laser Engraver Basics” on desktop of laptop. Ignore portion regarding installing the “driver,” and be sure to have your image saved on a flash drive. See laminated sheet of instructions before you begin. Small wooden pieces for engraver are in a bin in Table 2.
3D Printer
See staff for assistance with the 3D printer. At this juncture, use of the 3D printer is only for those who have experience with the machine and software. We will be offering opportunities for people to learn how to use it in the future. If you have something you need printed, please see Tracey in reference.
Sewing Machine and supplies
Video tutorial is available on the desktop of the laptop. Hard copy of instructions are in the case, next to the machine.
Inkjet Printer
Instructions in file folder. See staff for assistance.
Laminator and supplies
Instructions in file folder. Laminating is .30 a sheet
Microscopes
The microscope can be used with or without the laptop. Prepared slides are provided for viewing, as well as a kit to make your own. (on wall shelving)
Buttonmaker and Supplies
Instructions in file folder. Some supplies are provided. Patrons need to bring their own supplies if they plan to make more than two buttons.
Keyboard
Instructions in file folder.
Audio and Video Recording Equipment
The Makerspace has a digital video recorder, microphones, headphones, USB studio interface, green screen and a laptop with DaVinci Resolve and Audacity for video and audio editing. The Camera App on the laptop can be used for recording as well. The Voice Recorder App can also be used to record audio. Links to DaVinci Resolve, Producing Equipment and Audacity tutorials are on the laptop desktop. Instructions are in the file folder for producing equipment and greenscreen.
Legos
Instructions and design ideas in box.
Lego Boost
Use with app in tablet.
Snap Circuits Jr.
Instructions in box.
Keva Contraptions
Recommended for ages 7 and up. The KEVA Contraptions set is great for teaching children to embrace their creativity and design engineering marvels. With 200 identical wooden planks crafted to be used as scaffolding, ramps, paths, and much more, this toy is perfect for any child looking to build and learn problem solving with basic physics. Also includes two balls, and an idea book with project photos and quick start instructions. Instructions in box. (under Table 1)
K’nex Maker Kit
Recommended for ages 6 and up. Discover the fun of science, technology, engineering, and math with K'NEX. This construction-focused educational toy lets students create a variety of scale models, such as the Eiffel Tower, a helicopter, prehistoric creatures, and many more. Instructions in box. (under Table 1)
Dremel Tool
Instructions in box.
Jewelry Making Tools & Supplies
Jewelry Magnifying Glass is on wall shelving. Some supplies are provided, however patrons should bring their own supplies if they plan on making more than two pieces.
Drawing Tablet
Can be used with tablet or laptop. See video tutorial on desktop on laptop.
3D Doodler and Pen/Mat
Instructions in box.
Dot & Dash - Smart Robots
Recommended for ages 6 and up. Smart Robots Dot and Dash use fun challenges to teach your child block-based coding skills. Using an app loaded onto the tablet, along with several included accessories, kids can play games with and program Dot and Dash to do all kinds of fun activities. The Wonder Workshop app walks you through the process step by step. (on wall shelving)
Loom and Supplies
Video tutorial on the desktop of the laptop.
Circuit Scribes - Circuit Drawing Kit
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Kids can use their imaginations to doodle their way to a better understanding of circuits and conductivity with this set. This basic kit includes the Circuit Scribe conductive ink pen, magnetic steel sheet, 6 magnetic modules, a circuit stencil, jumper stickers, and step by step instructional/project notebook. There is a link on the laptop desktop for project ideas. (in bin, Table 1)
Makey- Makeys
Recommended for ages 8 and up. Banana piano, anyone? This invention kit allows kids to turn everyday objects into keys for your computer. The applications are only limited by your imagination. Use with the laptop. The Makey Makey website provides easy to follow, step by step instructions. (in bin, Table 1)
Thermal Camera
Use with app on the Makerspace tablet to see the temperature in the objects around you. (in bin, Table 1)
Small Weaving Loom and Loops
Video tutorial available on the desktop of the laptop.
Motors/Gears
Recommended for ages 8 and up. Materials and instructions are provided to make your own Jiggle Bots, Motorized Mini-Cars and more. See video tutorial on the laptop. (in bin, Table 1)
Grommet Press
Hard copy of instructions is in the file folder.
Papercutter
Drying Rack
General Tools/Supplies
Table 1
- Safety Glasses
- Measuring Utensils
- Tool Set
- Digital Scale
- Magnet wands
- Very strong magnets
- Measuring Tape
- Magnifying glass
- UV Light
- Watch batteries
- Pipettes
- Foil Sheets
Cabinet A
- Pipe cleaners
- Card stock
- Cricut supplies
Table 2
- Sharpies
- Whiteboard markers
- Easels
- Glue Gun
- Origami Paper
- Acrylic Paints
- Palettes
- Paintbrushes
- Craft sticks
- Twine
- Masking tape
- Wooden spools
- Felt
Cabinet B
- Ink for printer
- Plastic cups