Where creativity and curiosity merge into a space that uses innovative tools and technologies for educational, recreational, and business pursuits. As an extension of the library, the MakerSpace encourages self-directed, hands-on learning by doing.

Makerspace Open Hours

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Closed 2–5pm
Appointment Hours
2–5:30pm
Appointment Hours
2–5:30pm
Walk-In Hours
2–5:30pm
Walk-In Hours
10am–12pm & 2–5:30pm
Appointment Hours
10am–1pm
Walk-In Hours

What users can expect during Appointment Hours:

  • Appointment Hours allow Makers uninterrupted access for their projects, and enable staff to provide guided orientations.
  • 2-hour blocks of time for free use of the MakerSpace by established Makers.
  • One-on-one orientation appointments for new Makers to establish skill and operational knowledge of the available machines.
  • Advice and troubleshooting from MakerSpace staff, as well as access to online resources.

What users can expect during Walk-in Hours:

  • Walk-in Hours allow library users free-form exploration of the equipment and resources of the Makerspace.
  • Basic introduction to a machine, as long as the machine is not currently in use by another user.
  • Resources such as laptops and internet are available.
  • Staff may provide advice, or recommend online resources, but cannot work on your project for you.
  • As a self-directed learning space, guided activities will be available to users during Walk-in Hours to encourage hands-on exploration.

Popular tools we offer:

Laser Engraver/Cutting Machine
-Thunder Laser USA Nova 24 60-watt laser cutter/engraver

 

3D Printers
-Prusa i3 MK3s+
-Prusa Mini+
-FLSUN-QQS Pro
-Creality CR-10s

 

3D Scanning
-Einscan-SP Desktop 3D Scanner
-Structure Sensor 3D scanner attachment for iPad Pro, which uses the 3D scanning program Skanect

-Agisoft Metashape Standard software (for photogrammetry projects)

 

CNC Router for  Wood/Plastics Carving
-Inventables Carvey Desktop CNC Machine
-Shapeoko CNC router

 

Die Cut Cutting Machines
Cricut Maker

 

Sewing Machine
-Bernina 1008 sewing machine
-Brother SE600 combo sewing/embroidery machine”
-Singer Talent sewing machine
-Brother Lock 1034D serger

 

Tools/Hand Tools
-Dremel 4000 rotary tool
-Duracraft 3-speed Drill Press
-Black and Decker cordless drill set
-Soldering Iron stations with soldering supply kits
-Various screwdrivers (Phillips, Flat, Torx, Hex)

 

Computing/Electronics
Sparkfun Arduino Inventor’s Kits
Sparkfun Raspberry Pi 3 Kits
-Dell Laptops with Windows 10 and software including Fusion 360 for Personal Use (CAD program for 3D printing/prototyping), Inkscape (free vector graphics software), GIMP (free image editing software) and more
-Dell desktop computer system with Adobe Creative Cloud Suite installed, along with Affinity Designer, Affinity Photo, and Affinity Publisher software, as well as Autodesk Software including Autodesk Revit and Autodesk AutoCAD

 

Arts
-Various art supplies
-Jewelry making supplies

 

STEM Tools/Toys for Children
littleBits Kits: littleBits Premium Kit and littleBits Synth kit
-Ozobot Bit robot kit
-Makeblock Mbot Robot Educational Kit
-Edison Programmable Robots
-Cubelets six robot blocks kit
-Squishy Circuits: Basic Kit
-Electronic Snap Circuits Classic SC-300 Electronics Exploration Kit
-Electronic Snap Circuits 3D Illumination Kit
-Let’s Start Coding.com Kits: Base Kit and Code Piano Kit
-Makey Makey Kits
-Lego Mindstorms EV3: Robot Building Kit
-Thames Kosmos: Robotics Smart Machines Kit
-Smart Lab: Smart Circuits Kit

Open AIR logo

Open AiR

Open AIR is a place-based Artist-in-Residence program that connects artists from all disciplines and origins, with culturally, historically, and ecologically significant locations through collaborative partnerships in Western Montana.

Missoula Public library has been an Open Air Artist in Residence site since 2020. Visit our Open Air Artists page to learn more about artists who spent a residency season at MPL.

Boomerang: Choose to Reuse

Boomerang Bags

Pick up one of our take-and-make kits to sew a reusable cloth bag. Make your bag and keep it, give it away, or return it to the MPL MakerSpace to be donated to the Missoula Food Bank and Community Center.

Check out our community page: Boomerang Bags @ Missoula Public Library.

MakerSpace Youtube

Vist MPL's Youtube page for tutorials on MakerSpace tools such as our Laser Cutter, Carvey Machine, TinkerCAD, and more!

3D Printing and Scanning Policy

The Missoula Public Library MakerSpace, located in the Missoula Public Library, provides access to technology that includes free 3D scanning, as well as 3D printing for a minimal fee of 5 cents per gram of plastic.

 

These are staff mediated services and are available on a first come, first served basis.

 

The Missoula Public Library reserves the right to refuse scanning and/or production of any content at any time at the discretion of Library staff.

 

3D Printing and Scanning

Examples of specific content that will not be scanned or 3D printed includes, but is not limited to:

1. Content or objects that are illegal or harmful to minors
2. Content or objects that may be construed as having intent to harm. Such objects include weapons of any kind including guns and knives, or parts of those weapons such as gun stocks and knife handles.
3. Content or objects that may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of a third party.
4. Objects that are perishable.

 

-By submitting content or objects, the customer agrees to assume all responsibility for, and shall hold the Library harmless in, all matters related to patented, trademarked, or copyrighted materials. The Missoula Public Library is not responsible for any damage, loss, or security of data arising from the use of its computers or network, nor for the functionality or quality of content produced on the 3D printer.

 

-Refunds are not permitted.

 

-Customers will be notified via phone or email about their 3D prints when they have been completed, and all files will be deleted from the system at that time. Objects for printing that are not picked up within fourteen (14) calendar days following notification will not be retained.

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