Makerspace

3-D Printer

What is a makerspace?

A makerspace is a place to turn your ideas into reality! The space is designed for people to work on all kinds of projects, from computer programming and robot building to sewing and jewelry making. The makerspace is a space for creating and for working with others.

Our Makerspace is a hands-on environment for collaboration and team learning as well as individual creation. You are invited to create, invent, and learn using our 3D printers, software, electronics, and craft tools.

What can you do in the makerspace?

  • Get hands-on experience with tools, technology, and creative projects
  • Use a 3D printer, a Silhouette Cameo electronic cutting tool, a sewing machine, and make-your-own chainmail kits
  • Bring your own project with you

What does the makerspace support?

  • Fiber Arts
  • Jewelry Making
  • CAD Design
  • Electronics and Robotics
  • 3-D Printing and Prototyping
  • Die Cut Machine – Silhouette Cameo

What is coming to the makerspace?

  • Small Lathe Woodworking
  • Metal and Leather Working
  • Assorted Multimedia

Open Hours

The new makerspace in Central Library has open hours each week. No appointment is necessary to visit during these times - anyone can drop in to work on projects and explore the space. Safety training is required.

Wednesdays: 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Fridays: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Third Saturday of the month: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

3-D Printing

Chesterfield County Public Library offers a makerspace with 3-D printers that are available to customers with a valid library card. Customers who wish to use the 3-D printer should first contact their library and make an appointment.

The library’s 3-D printers use plastic filament that print or form solid objects. The filament is a polylactic acid, or PLA, which is made from renewable resources such as corn starch.
Customers have used the 3-D printers to create toys, artwork, jewelry, parts for building robots and components for prosthetic hands. What could you make with the 3-D printer? Come by the makerspace and find out!

Central Library (Visit during open hours or make an appointment.)

  • 2 Dremel 3D45s
  • 1 Ultimaker 2
  • 1 Printrbot Play

Ettrick-Matoaca Library (Please call and make an appointment.)

  • 1 Ultimaker 2 Plus

LaPrade Library (Please call and make an appointment.)

  • 1 Dremel 3D45

Meadowdale Library (Please call and make an appointment.)

  • 1 Dremel 3D45

North Courthouse Road (Please call and make an appointment.)

  • 1 Dremel 3D45
  • 1 MakerBot Replicator 2

Support the Makerspace

If you are interested in supporting our makerspace through donation of materials, time or money, please contact Jennifer Hayek by phone (804) 748-1763 or by email [email protected].