Makerspace

The Makerspace is open to all creators of any skill level!  Children under 12 must be directly supervised and assisted by an adult.  If you wish to purchase materials from the Makerspace you must have a valid library card from anywhere in the Chicagoland area. 

Staffed Hours:

• Sunday: 12 PM - 4 PM
• Monday: 9 AM - 1 PM, 4 PM - 8 PM
• Tuesday: 9 AM - 5 PM
• Wednesday: 9 AM - 8 PM
• Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM
• Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM
• Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM (closed from 12 - 1 PM for lunch break)

Please note: Hours subject to change based on staffing availability.

Independent Use Hours:

• Monday: 1 PM - 4 PM
• Tuesday: 5 PM - 8 PM
• Thursday: 5 PM - 8 PM

Please note: Patrons may only use equipment if they are able to operate it independently. Staff are not available for instruction, troubleshooting, or project assistance.

Equipment Available by Appointment:

Equipment listed below require an appointment. Appointments during Staffed Hours guarantee one hour of equipment access and staff assistance.

• Embroidery Machine
• Laser Cutter
• Vinyl Cutting Machine
• Sewing Machine
• Serger
• Sublimation Printer
• Heat Press*
• CNC Machine
• Design Assistance

* The heat press is included for sublimation printing and vinyl cutting appointments.

Independent Use Equipment:

Equipment listed below are available on a first-come, first-served basis during all Makerspace hours:

• Comb Binder
• Button Makers
• Paper Cutter
• Embossing Machine
• Laminator

The Makerspace offers limited supplies for patrons to purchase.  Materials available are intended for personal, educational, and prototyping. The Makerspace is not equipped for mass production.   

All supplies are limited. Please call The Makerspace ahead of your visit at 847-663-6607 to see if your desired materials are in stock. 

There is no cost to use the equipment or receive assistance from staff. 

• 3D Printing 
  • PLA – $.10 per gram of filament
• Embroidery Machine 
  • $1.00 per 1,000 stitches
• Laminator 
  • Laminator Pouches – $0.25
• Laser Cutter 
  • 8″ x 12″ Bamboo – $7.00
  • 6” x 12” Hard Maple – $7.00
  • 6″ x 12″ Cherry Wood – $7.00
  • 8″ x 12″ Baltic Birch Plywood – $5.00
  • 8″ x 12″ Acrylic – $5.00
• Silhouette Cameo 
  • 12″ x 12″ Adhesive Vinyl (sticker paper) – $1.00
  • 12″ x 12″ Transfer Paper – $1.50
  • 12″ x 12″ Heat Transfer Vinyl – $3.00
  • 12″ x 12″ Cardstock – $0.50
• Sublimation Printer 
  • Mouse Pad (Print included)  – $3.00
  • Mug (Print included)  – $5.00
  • Puzzle (Print included) – $3.00
  • Sublimation Paper 8.5″ x 11″ – $1.50
  • Sublimation Paper 11″ x 17″ – $2.00

Yes, patrons are encouraged to bring their own materials, depending on the project.  Staff must approve of personal materials before use.   

Please call The Makerspace ahead of your visit at 847-663-6607 to make sure personal materials are appropriate for the equipment you plan to use. 

By scheduling an appointment during staffed hours, you are guaranteed to have staff assistance with your project for the duration of the appointment. 

Staff may not be able to stay with you to finish your project. Projects may take multiple appointments to finish, but assistance ends when the appointment is over. 

Makerspace staff will not complete your project for you.