The Batavia Public Library’s MakerZone has a variety of machines that Batavia Public Library cardholders may access free of charge.
We offer space, tools, equipment, and technology to help Batavia Public Library patrons get creative. The MakerZone is a place where you can create, inspire, and explore.
We offer in-person certifications for most of our machines. Once you are certified, you may book an appointment to use the machine with little to no assistance from the Batavia Public Library staff. A Batavia Public Library card is required to use the MakerZone.
MakerZone Equipment
3D Pen
3D pens work by heating plastic filament and extruding it through a narrow tip. As the plastic cools and hardens, it can be used to draw three-dimensional objects.
3D Printer
3D printers work by drawing an object layer by layer with melted plastic. With the MakerBot Replicator+, Batavia Public Library cardholders may create fun, customized items like phone holders or cookie cutters, or make more functional things, like replicas of lost game tokens or broken machine parts.
Button Maker
A machine that transforms pictures or your designs into buttons. A keychain or magnet option also is available upon request. Design your button using this free to use software.
Cricut
The Cricut is an electronic cutting and drawing machine. Designs created on the computer can be cut or drawn into material such as paper, cardstock, vinyl, fabric, and more.
Cricut Heat Press
The Cricut EasyPress® 2 is a versatile, easy-to-use heat press that combines the speed of a traditional press with the convenience of an iron. With adjustable heat up to 400℉ (205°C) and precise time controls, it delivers long-lasting, professional-quality results on a wide range of materials.
Cricut Mug Press
The Cricut Mug Press™ is a compact, easy-to-use heat press designed for creating custom, professional-quality mugs. It works with both Infusible Ink™ and heat transfer vinyl to deliver vibrant, long-lasting designs that are dishwasher and microwave safe.
Heat Press
A professional-grade heat press machine designed for transferring designs like sublimation ink and heat transfer vinyl onto various materials. It features a 16″ x 20″ platen size, a swing-away design for safety and ease of use, and SurePressure technology for consistent, even pressure across the entire surface.
Sewing Machine
The Singer Patchwork 7258Q is an easy-to-operate machine with 98 built-in stitches including 6 automatic one-step buttonholes, 10 presser feet, an optional free arm, and speed control. The sewing machine is located on the height-adjustable table in the Computer Lab/MakerZone.
Sticker & Magnet Maker
With Xyron Creative Station, you can laminate, make magnets, and create stickers in seconds. And it all happens without mess or dry time.
Sublimation Printer
A high-quality, desktop sublimation printer designed for anyone looking to custom print. It’s specifically engineered to print on a variety of materials that are coated for sublimation.
Get Personalized Guidance
Need expert assistance? Schedule a One-on-One MakerZone coaching session with our friendly staff to learn new skills, explore equipment, and bring your creative projects to life!
To schedule an appointment, please call the reference desk, 630-879-1393, ext. 200, or email the library: askus@bataviapubliclibrary.org.
Appointments are perfect for:
- Basic instruction: Get comfortable with any piece of Makerspace equipment and software.
- Learning specific skills: Hem your jeans, install a zipper using a sewing machine or explore features in Cricut’s Design Space.
- Completing a project: Get assistance using equipment like Cricut and the heat press to make a custom T-shirt.
- Not sure where to start? Try a Craft Kit!: Select from our Crafting Kits which offer guided projects for our sewing machine and Cricut (materials provided).
Here’s what you can expect:
- Appointments last up to 1 hour.
- Batavia cardholders get 1 appointment per month.
- Appointments may be scheduled up to two weeks in advance depending on demand and availability.
- Come prepared by bringing any materials or information needed for your project. Staff can help you plan when scheduling.
A few things to keep in mind:
- One-on-One sessions are not for: In-depth private tutoring or completing your project for you.
- Missed appointments: We hold appointments for 15 minutes. Late arrivals won’t extend the session. No-shows count towards your monthly limit.
Looking for other options?
- Independent use: Reserve equipment outside of appointment times (subject to availability and equipment type).
- Quick questions: Staff may be available for brief assistance outside of appointments.
- Online resources: We offer a variety of online learning resources available to BPL cardholders including LinkedIn Learning and Creativebug.