Studio

Studio header showing a group of four people working at one table and two others standing at another table

Welcome to our self-directed space for teens and adults interested in making, designing, tinkering, and experimenting.

Read about our Maker in Residence.

Get to Know the Studio

Learn by doing! Build confidence using equipment with a selection of introductory ready-to-make projects that you can drop in and try anytime. Our staff is always on hand to guide you through. No registration necessary.

Hours

Monday-Friday:9 am-8:45 pm
Saturday:9 am-5:45 pm
Sunday:noon-5:45 pm

The Studio closes 15 minutes before the library closes.

Using the Space

The Studio is open to patrons ages 14 and above. Children ages 13 and under may use the Studio with an adult caregiver; families must work on projects together. Equipment and resources are provided on a first come, first served basis.

Equipment and Supplies

We offer complimentary materials for visual art, fabrication, and textiles. Restrictions and limits on some supplies may apply. You may also bring in your own supplies unless otherwise indicated. An experiential learning specialist is always available to assist with projects and exploration.

3D Printer

3D Printer machine sitting on top of a countertop

MakerBot Sketch 3D printers allows you to submit print request to be printed for personal or hobby usage.

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Cricut Vinyl Cutter

Cricut Vinyl Cutter machine sitting on a wooden desk covered in a few stickers

The Cricut Explore Air 2 allows you to use the Cricut Design Space to cut sticker and iron-on vinyl designs for making custom cards, labels, stickers, personalized clothing, and more.

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Embroidery Machine

Embroidery machine sitting on a wooden table

The Memory Craft 500e embroidery machine helps create projects by personalizing, embellishing, or monogramming a variety of items including: home decor, garments, or accessories.

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Epilog Laser Engraver and Cutter

Epilog Laser Engraver and Cutter machine at the library

The Epilog Fusion Maker laser can engrave and cutt a variety of materials including wood, acrylic, textiles, and more.

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Glowforge Laser Engraver

Glowforge Laser Engraver machine

The Glowforge Pro HD laser is a 40-45 watt CO2 laser with the ability to cut and engrave on a variety of materials including: wood, acrylic, cardstock, and more.

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Heat Press

Heat Press machine sitting on a countertop

The LOKLiK auto heat press uses auto pressure and a sensitive pressure display for precise results for your project.

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Photo Scanner

Photo Scanner machine sitting on a metal desk

The Epson photo scanner helps to scan quality images with up to a 6400 dpi optical resolution. The scanner has attachments for slides, 35mm reels, along with medium and large format reels. 

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Sewing Machine

Sewing Machine sitting on top of a wooden table

The Magnolia 7330 sewing machine is the most advanced of the magnolia line. Work on sewing projects for your wardrobe, home, or decor with over 30 decorative stitches.

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Silhouette Vinyl Cutter

Cameo silhouette vinyl cutter sitting on a wooden table

The Silhoutette Cameo vinyl cutter is capable of cutting designs, shapes, and text out of sticker and iron-on vinyl.

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Thermal Laminator

Thermal Laminator machine sitting on a wooden desk

The QFun thermal laminator helps you laminate paper up to 11x17 inches for personal or professional use.

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Restrictions

Studio equipment may not be used to create weapons or materials that:

  • Are prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
  • Are unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or that pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
  • Are inappropriate for the library environment.
  • Are subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.

3D prints are not food safe and should not be used with food unless properly sealed. We do not recommend making cookie cutters, measuring cups, juicers, or other items to be used with food.

The library will not be liable for functional failure of, or injuries or property damage caused by, objects or materials made through the use of our 3D printer. We strongly recommend that the 3D printer not be used to make objects that could prove harmful or that would result in significant cost to the user if they fail.

Studio Suites

The Studio suites are spaces for digital content creation, post-production editing, and digitization. Staff are available to troubleshoot small issues but in-depth assistance is not available.

This room is to be used for digital content creation, post-production editing, and digitization.

Studio Suite 1

This room is to be used for digital content creation, post-production editing, and digitization.

Adults and teens in high school with a Skokie Public Library card or registered reciprocal library card can reserve a suite up to seven days in advance. You can reserve one 3-hour block per 24 hours (no extensions). Reservations will only be held for 15 minutes after the start time. 

This room is to be used for digital content creation, post-production editing, and digitization.

Studio Suite 2

This room is to be used for digital content creation, post-production editing, and digitization.

Adults and teens in high school with a Skokie Public Library card or registered reciprocal library card can reserve a suite up to seven days in advance. You can reserve one 3-hour block per 24 hours (no extensions). Reservations will only be held for 15 minutes after the start time. 

This room is to be used for digital content creation, post-production editing, and digitization.

Studio Suite 3

This room is to be used for digital content creation, post-production editing, and digitization.

Adults and teens in high school with a Skokie Public Library card or registered reciprocal library card can reserve a suite up to seven days in advance. You can reserve one 3-hour block per 24 hours (no extensions). Reservations will only be held for 15 minutes after the start time. 

Online Resources

Explore new skills and new ideas with one of our online training and tutorials.

Creativebug

Thousands of art and craft video tutorials taught by design experts. Includes lessons on visual and fiber arts, paper crafts, jewelry making, and more.

Database Type
Audience