Innovation Space

Innovation Space

The library’s Innovation Space allows users to explore and combine varying creative and technical skills, utilizing equipment that might be otherwise unavailable to create unique, personalized items. Library staff is available to assist in providing a workspace that is both safe and accessible. Staff will provide participants with training in the form of videos, documentation, demonstration, and basic one-on-one attention. More information is available in the library’s Innovation Space policy which can be found here.

We encourage you to stop by while the space is open to speak to one of our talented staff members. The Innovation Space is open to both Middle Country residents and out of district patrons.

MCPL patrons may request an appointment to meet with an Innovation Space staff member for a 30 minute one on one appointment. Please use the booking calendar here.

Out of District Patrons or patrons who wish to get general information about the space may make a request using the Innovation Space Request Form here.

Online Learning

Anxious to get started but can’t get down to the library? Review our learning pathways on Niche Academy! We’ll continue adding content for all of the equipment that we have available.

3D Printing

3D printing is currently scheduled via a request form. For more information or to submit a request, click here to view our 3D printing page.

Prusa MK4S and XL 3D Printers

Our Prusa 3D printers can print a wide variety of objects using PLA or PETG plastic filament. Our filaments come in a wide variety of colors. The Prusa printer utilizes STL or OBJ files — bring your own file, find one on websites like Thingiverse.com, or build your own using CAD software. The Prusa print bed dimensions are: 9.84 L x 8.3 W x 8.3 H in.

Ultimaker 3D Printer

Like the Prusas, the Ultimaker 3D printer can print a wide variety of objects using filaments like PLA, PETG, and Nylon. The Ultimaker is great for printing objects that require a lot of support, offering breakaway and dissolvable supports and two extruders. The Ultimaker utilizes STL or OBJ files — bring your own file, find one on websites like Thingiverse.com, or build your own using CAD software. The Ultimaker print bed dimensions are: 8.46 L x 8.46 W x 11.8 H in.

Computing

Microsoft Surface Studio 2 Desktop

 

Fabrication

Carbide 3D Shapeoko 3 XXL CNC Router

The Carbide Shapeoko CNC Router is a powerful machine perfect for a woodworking beginner! With a large work area, the Shapeoko uses a DeWalt router for precise wood cutting, and the accompanying Carbide Create software helps your ideas come to fruition. The Shapeoko will work with nearly all woods. The surface area of the Shapeoko is 33 W in x 33 L x 3 H in.

Epilog FusionEdge 12 Laser Engraver with 40W Laser

The Epilog FusionEdge can engrave items like wood, acrylic, glass, leather and suede, anodized metal, and more! The engraver can also cut wood up to 1/2″ thick, as well as thin acrylic and leather. Use free software like Inkscape and Gimp, or Innovation Space software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop, to work with images that can be engraved for a personalized touch.

xTool F1 Laser Engraver with 2W IR + 10W Diode Laser

The xTool F1 is a small dual-laser engraver that is both fast and versatile. The 10W (watt) 455nm diode blue laser can engrave clear and dark lines on materials like wood, leather, glass, rock, and paper. Additionally, the 10 watts of power enable the F1 to cut through up to 8mm of wood and 5mm of acrylic. The 2W 1064nm infrared laser expands the engraving capabilities to include all metals and plastics, broadening the range of materials that can be engraved.

Making & Crafting

Brother Sewing & Embroidery Machine

This computerized 2-in-1 machine allows you to embroider and sew with ease. View your embroidery designs in full color on the large, 3.2″  color LCD touch screen display, and preview your design edits on the screen, before stitching. The machine comes with 80 pre-loaded embroidery machines, and it is possible to add your own designs. The embroidery space workspace is 4 x 4 in.

Button Maker

Our button maker lets you quickly create fun 2.25 inch pin back buttons! Also available is a button paper cutter to get your sizing right each time.

Cricut Maker

The Cricut Maker quickly cuts up to 300+ materials! Our Maker is compatible with 13 tools for cutting, writing, embellishing, foiling & more. A vinyl cutting tool is also available, as well as access to the Cricut DesignSpace. Cutting mats and other tools are also available for use.

Mayku FormBox

The FormBox is a 3D vacuum former that uses a standard shop vac, ceramic heat, and precise airflow to create detailed molds of 3D objects. The FormBox has a fine mesh forming bed where objects are placed, and has convenient temperature and timing dials to make it easy to use. The FormBox heater ranges from 320-640 degrees. The dimensions for the forming bed are: 7.8 L x 7.8 W x 5.1 in.

Printing

HP Multifunction Printer (HP DesignJet T830 MFP 36″)

Our HP multifunction printer can print and scan multiple sizes, include media rolls up to 36 inches. The large scanner can quickly scan documents up to 36 x 109″ and prints most paper sizes within 30 seconds.

Fellowes Thermal Laminator

This small laminator features a 12.5-inch wide entry and accommodates documents of multiple sizes. The laminator also provides hot lamination for 3-mil or 5-mil pouches, and cold setting for self-adhesive pouches. It heats up in 60 seconds.

Sawgrass Sublimation Printer & Heat Press

The Sawgrass Sublimation printer can make fun and customizable items, and works with out heat press to transfer and fuse your own design! The sublimation printer can take 8.5×11 and 8.5×14 size sublimation paper, and already is loaded with color sublimation ink. You can sublimate on certain ceramic items like mugs and plates, light-colored polyester items, travel mugs and lunch boxes, and more! The sublimation does not require special software, so you can even print your photos and designs from a simple word processor. The Innovation Space has available a flatbed heat press with attachments for mugs, plates, and hats.

Media Recording Studio

RODEcaster Pro Mixing Board

The RØDECaster Pro™ is the world’s most powerful all-in-one solution for podcasting. Designed to offer superb audio quality and
expansive features while being incredibly easy to use, it’s the ultimate tool for beginners and professionals alike.

4 Heil PR-40 Pro Microphones

Broadcast quality dynamic microphones.

4 Studio Headphones for recording and playback monitoring

Mac Studio M1 Max

One of the fastest Mac desktops around, the media studio’s workstation will allow you to record, edit, and enhance all your multimedia projects quickly and with ease. Ports for external drives are easily accessible.

Software: Hindenburg PRO

Work smarter and faster with the easy-to-learn yet robust, field-tested audio editor designed to simplify and automate your podcast production.

Software: Garageband

For those more familiar and comfortable with Garageband, this easy to use audio workstation software makes recording podcasts quick and easy.

In order to use the recording studio, creators must take our Online Orientation. After completing the orientation, you will be eligible to book studio time by using the Media Studio Booking Calendar. Please make sure your e-mail address is the same one you used to take the Online Orientation.