Welcome to the Maker Labs! The Maker Labs at Tacoma Public Library are a group of do-it-yourself studios where everyone can explore individual curiosity, engage in collaborative work, learn from instructors and fellow makers, and build community around innovation, creativity, the arts, and technology.
Hours and Events
Independent Study and Open Lab hours apply to all areas of the Maker Labs at Main Library, opens a new window.
Independent Study
No staff assistance will be available during Independent Study hours.
Reservations are recommended. Walk-ins are subject to availability.
Make a reservation here, opens a new window.
- Tuesday, 4-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, 12-3 p.m.
- Friday, 2-5 p.m.
- Saturday, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Open Lab
Equipment is first-come, first-served. If others are waiting, please be mindful of your time.
Staff assistance is available.
- Tuesday, 12-3 p.m.
- Wednesday, 4-7 p.m.
- Thursday, 2-5 p.m.
- Saturday, 2-5 p.m.
Tinker Time
Express your creativity at your own pace with our independent activity time in the Maker Lab. Each day we'll have a new activity set out for you to explore. Whether you're coding a robot, creating a simple circuit, painting a landscape or exploring something else, there's something for everyone.
Tinker Time is an unstaffed program. Access to our reservable equipment is unavailable at this time.
- Thursday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Events
Wonder Lab FAQs
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We offer limited materials. To maintain our equipment, we may restrict some supplies that patrons bring in to work on.
Here’s a brief overview of materials that are allowed. If you have questions about a specific material, please contact Maker Lab staff.
Cricut
- Paper
- Vinyl
- Iron On
- Chipboard/ thin wood
XTool
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Ceramic
- Metal
- Glass
3D Printer
- N/A
Sewing Machine/Embroidery Machine/Serger
- Fabric
- Thread
The Memory Lab at the Tacoma Public Library helps preserve memories by providing a space and equipment to digitize pictures, documents, videos, and audio recordings. The Memory Lab is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services with support from the Memory Lab Network, overseen by the DC Public Library.
The Memory Lab is available at Moore Library, Wheelock Library, and in Maker Labs at the Main Library.
Memory Lab Equipment
The Tacoma Public Library’s Memory Lab uses digitization software on an Apple Mac Mini desktop computer to transfer physical media to digital files.
Each option allows you to save your digitized files to your personal storage device or your cloud storage account.
Questions? Please call (253) 280-2814.
Memory Labs FAQs
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- Watch our introduction orientation [ Click Here!]
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Patrons can use our equipment to:
- Convert VHS video tape, DVD videos, audio CDs, and audiocassette tapes into digital format.
- Scan photographs and documents
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A USB memory card or external hard drive with at least 16 gigabytes of storage capacity.
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The Tacoma Public Library's Memory Lab does not have this equipment available to borrow. There are various retail stores that sell USB and external hard drives. You can also sign up for cloud storage services such as Google Drive, and Dropbox online and save your content to your account.
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No, you do not need to have a Tacoma Public Library card to use the Memory Lab.
Prepare For Your Visit
Maker Labs FAQs
-
We offer limited materials. To maintain our equipment, we may restrict some supplies that patrons bring in to work on.
Here’s a brief overview of materials that are allowed. If you have questions about a specific material, please contact Maker Lab staff.
Cricut
- Paper
- Vinyl
- Iron On
- Chipboard/ thin wood
XTool
- Wood
- Acrylic
- Ceramic
- Metal
- Glass
3D Printer
- N/A
Sewing Machine/Embroidery Machine/Serger
- Fabric
- Thread
-
The xTool laser engraver, 3D printers, sewing machine, embroidery machine, serger, Digital Media Lab and Cricut can be reserved once per week. During open lab, all equipment (except the 3D printer) is first-come, first-served, even if a person has already had a reservation.
People can use the 3D printer one time a week for a print that is 2 hours or less.
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Open lab is a time designed for anyone to come in and use the Maker Labs. Equipment and materials are on a first come, first served basis. Staff will be available to provide support.
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Independent study is a time designed for people who are already familiar with the equipment to come in and use the Maker Labs. Right now, people interested in booking equipment can email Maker Labs staff at makerlabs@tacomalibrary.org, opens a new window. The online booking module will be ready at a later date. People may also come in a use equipment if it is not reserved, but we offer timeslots on a first come, first served basis. Patrons coming in to independent study must be 18 or older, or must be accompanied by an adult. Staff will not be available to provide assistance during independent study.
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The Maker Labs include equipment and software for:
- Art
- Crafting
- Audio recording
- Music production
- Podcasting
- Robotics
- Coding
- Digitization