General

Where is the MakerSpace located? 

The MakerSpace is located at the Central Library. We are upstairs on the Southwest side of the building near the Young Adult section. 

What are the requirements to use the MakerSpace during open hours?

To be able to use the Makerspace you must: 
•Have a Whittier Public Library card 
•Be 8 years old or older 
•Makers under the age of 14 must be directly supervised by an adult guardian/caregiver (18 or older) at all times. One adult guardian/caregiver per Maker is required. 
•Fill out a Maker Agreement and Release form 
•Makers 8-17 years old must have a parent/legal guardian sign the Maker Agreement and Release form. 
•Make an appointment or visit during drop-in hours.

How much does it cost?

Access to the MakerSpace software, equipment, tools is free. You will need to bring your own project materials i.e. textiles, thread for sewing machine.  See MakerSpace-Supplies & Resources for a list of what is available.

Do you offer classes? Can someone teach me how to use the tools in the MakerSpace?

The MakerSpace is designed to be a self-directed service where Makers will work independently on their own projects. As a “do it yourself” space, we expect that most members have a passing knowledge of how some of the software, equipment, or tools works. For those members who do not have any experience with our offerings, the MakerSpace is a great opportunity for self-guided learning. Makers will have access to some instructional materials such as books, user manuals, and online tutorials. Be advised that staff does not provide one-on-one instruction. However, staff will set-up, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment. The Library does periodically offer programming where instruction is given for some of the MakerSpace tools and materials. A list of our upcoming programs can be found at Whittierlibrary.org/ Events Calendar 

Appointments and Walk-ins

How do I make an appointment?

You can make an appointment request by filling out the form found here. Appointments can be scheduled up to 3 days in advance. 

Can I make an appointment for more than one person?

As of right now we only have individual appointment scheduling. If you would like to come with a friend, you would each need to fill out the appointment request form and schedule for the same appointment time. This would also apply for parents/adults with children. Each child under 14 years old needs to have an adult with them. Keep in mind that each person in your party must meet the above requirements and return the Maker Agreement and Release form. 

Do you take walk-ins? 

*Drop-in Hours: 
  Monday-Wednesday: 10AM-4PM

  *All hours are subject to change with Library hours and staff availability*

If I am not finished with my project, am I allowed to extend my appointment? 

Currently, MakerSpace appointments are limited to one appointment per person per day. However, if at the end of your appointment time, you still need or want a little more time to finish, you may take a spot in the next appointment time slot only if there is a space available and there are no other conflicts, otherwise we can schedule you for another appointment in the future.  

Can I book the whole room for events?

The MakerSpace cannot be used or reserved for private events, business purposes or classes outside of library programing. 

Can I bring my group? (3 or more)

Call 562-567-9900 or email makerspace@whittierlibrary.org for special arrangements.

What do you need to bring?

• Storage device: It is recommended that Makers bring a storage device to save their projects. Nothing is saved on the MakerSpace computer hard drives to ensure patron privacy. The size of the storage device you bring is up to you. Most projects will fit on a standard flash drive. If you do bring your own storage device, please make sure that it is formatted properly. If you have any questions regarding which drive formatting will work best for your project, please contact the library. 

•  Sewing: You will need to bring your own fabric, thread, interfacing etc. The MakerSpace will provide the consumables and tools needed to operate and maintain the equipment, such as replacement needles, pins, bobbins, etc.

• Cricut: We may have a limited supply of some materials, but it is advised that you bring your own. If you have any questions regarding whether the MakerSpace has a specific tool or piece of equipment that is needed to do your project, please call, or email us prior to your visit.

3D Printing

Instruction

If you are looking for instruction there are two options:
•The Whittier Public Library offers monthly in-person classes called Mega-Makers (please check the  Events calendar for the next available class)
•Instructional tutorials are available on MakerSpace laptops

How much does 3D Printing cost?

Currently, 3D printing is available to library patrons at no cost.

Are there limits to what I can print?

All 3D print jobs must be printable in 5 hours or less time frame. Makers are limited to one 3D print job a week and you must pick up your previous print job before you can submit another one. Items printed from the 3D printers that are not picked up within 14 days will become property of the Library. The 3D printers may only be used for lawful purposes. The public will not be permitted to use the 3D printers to create material that is:

1. Prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
2. Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
3. Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.
4. In violation of another’s intellectual property rights. For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.

The library is not responsible for misprints due to design error. The Whittier Public Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.

How do I submit a 3D file for printing?

Before your appointment ends, you must save your 3D design as an .STL file. You can then notify a staff person that your file is ready for printing. They will take your file and run it through a slicing software with you so that you can choose some of the print settings. (Note: except for a few customizable options, staff will always go with recommended settings). This will give staff an estimated print time and adjustments can be made from there. MakerSpace staff will make sure to verify your phone number or email so that we can notify you when your print is ready for pickup.

What 3D printing materials are available?

Currently, we only print using PLA (Polylactic Acid) plastic filament. You may not bring your own filament that you purchased or brought from home. Makers will be limited to whatever colors are currently loaded onto the 3D printers for their print jobs.

How long do 3D prints usually take?

3D print times can vary based on the size and surface detail of the model that has been submitted. Even relatively small objects can take 2-3 hours to print. If you would like an estimate for how long it would take to 3D print an object, feel free to send your STL file to the MakerSpace email address: makerspace@whittierlibrary.org. Please note, it may take up to a full business day for lab staff to respond with your estimate.