The St. Helens Public Library Makerspace

The Makerspace is on a temporary break while we seek a new Makerspace Technician. Programs, open hours, and appointments in the Makerspace will happen on a limited basis at this time. Check our social media (Facebook and Twitter) and website calendar for up-to-date information on Makerspace programming.

The St. Helens Public Library Makerspace is a place for our community to learn, make, and collaborate.

We offer free access to innovative technology, equipment, and software that support your creative pursuits in an environment that emphasizes experimenting and learning. Whether you’re an experienced maker or are a curious beginner, you belong in the Makerspace!

What can I do in the Makerspace?

Make a zine, design a stop-motion animation video, try a 3D pen, make buttons or stickers, make custom acrylic jewelry, 3D print cookie cutters, create digital art, personalize a t-shirt, sew a tote bag, repair a bike, do a woodworking project, digitize photos, learn to code, record a podcast, build a cardboard creation, take photos for online store listings – and more! See below for a full list of equipment.

How do I access the Makerspace?

Right now, we’re offering project-based classes as well as access by appointment, and we’re looking forward to offering more classes, orientations, open labs, and appointments in the future. Check the library’s events calendar for our current classes, or call 503-397-4544 or email SHPLmakerspace@sthelensoregon.gov to make an appointment.

Do I have to sign a waiver:

All Makerspace users must sign a liability waiver, agree to the Makerspace Policy, and receive an orientation to the space and equipment before they can use the space independently. Minors must have their parent or guardian sign their waiver. Once they’re registered, young people ages 11 and up may use the space without an adult, but children 10 and under must be supervised at all times.

Do I have to have a St. Helens Public Library card?

You do not need to have a library card or live in St. Helens to use the Makerspace.

What’s the cost of using the Makerspace?

Access to the Makerspace and all equipment is free. We do charge for some materials (such as 3D printer filament or heat transfer vinyl) just to cover the cost of those materials. The price of consumable materials is posted in the Makerspace. You are also welcome to bring in your own materials, subject to staff approval.

What’s available in the Makerspace?

Large equipment

• Glowforge Basic
• Flashforge Adventurer 3 3D printer
• Zortrax m200 3D printer
• Cricut Maker digital cutter
• FancierStudio DG heat press
• Bernette 79 Advanced Sewing Machine with Embroidery attachment
• Ibico 2700 laminator
• HP OfficeJet Pro 7740

Computers & tablets

• 21.5-inch iMac with Retina 4K with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.)
• MacBook Pro 13" (x2)
• Dell Latitude 3400 14" laptops (x8)
• iPads with stop motion and coding apps

Hand tools

• DeWalt DCF610 cordless screwdriver with assorted drill bits and screwdriver bits
• Kobalt household tool set:
  • Magnetic bit driver with 40 insert bits
  • Ratchets and a 32-piece socket set
  • Assorted screwdrivers
  • Pliers (long-nose, diagonal cutters, linesman)
  • Adjustable wrench
  • 16-piece hex key set
  • Claw hammer (13 oz)
  • Tape measure (12 ft)
  • Utility knife
  • Level
  • Voltage tester
• Irwin Quick-Grip mini one-handed bar clamps (12” and 6”)
• Assorted spring clamps
• Cordless electric scissors with paper/cardboard and fabric blades
• 12" extra fine cut hacksaw
• Miter saws
• Mini-razor saw with miter box
• Irwin Marples 4-piece high impact chisel set
• Project Source file set with 8 assorted files and 12 mini files
• Framing square
• Rubber mallet (16 oz)
• Awl
• Wire cutter/stripper
• Weller WLC100 40-Watt Soldering Station

Additional equipment/devices

• Bike repair kit with stand, pump, and assorted tools
• Rotary cutter with mat
• Ellison Prestige Pro die cut machine (with assorted dies)
• Ellison Space Saver die cut machine (with assorted dies)
• Epson FastFoto FF-680W photo scanner
• Audio Technica microphone
• AKAI Professional MPK mini midi controller keyboard
• Wacom Intuos Pro PTH860 drawing tablet and pen
• Artograph LightTracer LED light box
• Folding lighted studio box
• Collapsible 5' x 7' chromakey
• Ring lights
• Microscopes
• 3Doodler Start 3D pens
• Xyron Create-A-Sticker 5" sticker maker
• 1.25" and 2.25" manual button maker (with circle cutters)
• Makedo cardboard tools and screws
• Fellowes Star+ 150 comb binding machines
• Saddle stapler
• 3-hole punch
• Paper cutter
• Hot glue guns
• Play-Doh, posable figurines, toys, and other stop-motion animation supplies

You may also be interested in our Library of Things, which is a collection of STEM equipment, maker tools, games, and more that you can check out and take home with your SHPL library card.