Learning Lab
About The Learning Lab
Hickory Public Library’s Learning Lab provides access to tools and technology that support learning, creativity, connection, and accessibility through hands-on learning.
Who can use The Learning Lab?
• The Learning Lab is available to library patrons ages 7 and up. An adult must accompany users younger than age 12 at all times.
• A current Hickory Public Library card is required for use of the Learning Lab.
• Patrons must sign the user agreement policy and participate in a free orientation session conducted by library staff before using the Lab.
Rules
1. Users are expected to follow rules and regulations as set forth in the Library Use Guidelines , Internet Use Policy and Learning Lab Policy, available on the library’s website or from library staff.
2. No food or drink is allowed in the Learning Lab.
3. The Learning Lab is open during normal Library operating hours. The Lab is staffed during specific times of the day/week. Priority for Lab use will be given to Library programs. The Lab closes 15 minutes before the Library closes.
4. Some equipment requires advance reservation. An updated list of available equipment and reservation requirements will be kept on the Library’s website and in the Learning Lab.
5. Equipment may not be removed from the Learning Lab.
6. The Library is not responsible for damage to user's equipment, loss of data, nor for liability that occurs from the patron's use of Library provided technologies/equipment.
7. Individuals will be held responsible for malicious tampering and/or damage of equipment.
8. It is the user’s responsibility to delete and/or remove any personal files or property (digital or print) from Library equipment. Files left behind will be deleted by staff.
9. The Learning Lab may be used only for lawful purposes. The public is prohibited from using the Lab to create material that is:
- prohibited by local, state, or federal law
- unsafe, harmful, or dangerous
- inappropriate for the library environment
- or in violation of another's intellectual property rights.
10. Only materials approved by and supplied by the Library (papers, inks, filaments, etc.) may be used in Library equipment. Users are responsible for the costs of materials used. A current fee schedule is available on the Library website.
Hours
Monday: By reservation only
Tuesday: Open Lab 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and by reservation
Wednesday: Open Lab 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and by reservation
Thursday: Open Lab 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. and by reservation
Friday: By reservation only
Saturday: Open Lab 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month
Tours
Interested in technology, fiber arts, or design? The Learning Lab offers access to equipment and software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, a Cricut Maker 3, 3D printers, sewing machines, & more!
Call (828) 261-2240 or email learninglab@hickorync.gov to schedule a staff-led tour of the space & explore all of the creative ways to use our equipment!
Maker Workshops
Maker Workshops are hands-on, staff-led tutorials that aim to empower patrons with the knowledge and skills to use a variety of innovative tools and technologies available at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library’s makerspace, The Learning Lab. During these workshops learn through making a designated project.
Important Information
• Patrons must have a current Hickory Public Library Card and be at least 12 years old to participate in workshops. Click here to learn how to get a library card.
• Workshops last about one hour and up to four people can attend together.
• Each workshop has a per-person fee that covers project materials. Outside materials are not permitted.
• Payment is due at the time of the workshop; we only accept cash or checks.
• Workshop requests must be made at least three business days prior to the dates/times listed by the patron.
Available Workshops
• Cricut Maker 3 ($.50 per person) - Learn to use the Cricut and Cricut Design Space to create a custom vinyl decal
• Heat Press ($2.00 per person) - Learn to use the Heat Press, Sublimation Printer, and Canva to create a custom coaster
• Sewing Machine ($1.50 per person) - Learn to use a Brother sewing machine to create a custom envelope pillow cover
• TinkerCAD ($1.00 per person) - Learn to use the 3D design program TinkerCAD to create a custom keychain. Then learn the basics of slicing software Cura to get your keychain ready to print on our 3D printers. Keychains will be ready within 3 business days from the time of the workshop and can be picked up during Open Lab hours.
Maker Workshop Request
Specialty Printing
The Learning Lab at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library offers specialty printing services to the public for a fee. The lab’s specialty printers include several 3D printers and one large format printer. A current Hickory Public Library card is required for use of The Learning Lab.
Print requests can be submitted to The Learning Lab during Open Lab hours or through our online form submission under each printer description. If submitting in-person during Open Lab, files must be on a flash drive and patrons will be required to sign The Learning Lab User Agreement and fill out a request form at the time of drop-off. Print jobs will be ready within 3 business days from the time of the print request. Patrons will receive an email when their print is ready.
See below for important information about each printer.
3D Printers
The Learning Lab features one Fusion3 F410 3D Printer and two Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro 3D Printers. Please read the 3D Print Policy for information on what can be printed at the library.
Important Information
• A current Hickory Public Library card is required to use The Learning Lab and submit print requests.
• We will not modify files; files are printed exactly as they are submitted to us.
• All files are printed using Atomic PLA filament. Four filament colors are available, grey, black, gold, and silky aqua.
• All files are sliced by Learning Lab staff. Files printed on the Fusion3 are sliced using Fusion3’s software, REACTOR. Files printed on the Ender printers are sliced using Cura.
• Objects are weighed at the end of the print to determine the exact cost. The cost per item is $.10 cents per gram and includes any supports.
• Payment is due at the time of pickup; we only accept cash or check. Pickup is located in The Learning Lab on the second floor of Patrick Beaver Memorial Library. Pickup and payments can be made during Open Lab hours.
• Prints are not guaranteed to come out as intended and can be affected by any number of variables. The Library does not refund printing fees for completed items that do not come out as intended.
• The Library reserves the right to refuse any print request.
File Limitations
• Acceptable file types: OBJ and STL.
• The maximum print time for a single file is 10 hours.
• Printing will only occur during Library operating hours.
Canon Large Format Printer
The Learning Lab features one 36-inch Canon imagePROGRAF TA-30 printer. The printer has a maximum print resolution of 2400x1200 dpi and uses Canon TA Series pigment ink.
Important Information
• A current Hickory Public Library card is required to use The Learning Lab and submit print requests.
• We will not modify files; files are printed exactly as they are submitted to us.
• The cost is $5.00 per print plus $.25 cents per linear foot for Basic Paper, $.75 cents per linear foot for Premium Matte Paper, and $1.75 per linear foot for Matte Polypropylene Banner. These prices include any white/blank/extra space.
• All material is rounded up to the next linear foot to determine cost. For example, a print that is 40 inches long will be rounded to 48 inches (4 feet).
• Payment is due at the time of pickup; we only accept cash or check. Pickup is located in The Learning Lab on the second floor of Patrick Beaver Memorial Library. Pickup and payments can be made during Open Lab hours.
• Prints are not guaranteed to come out as intended and can be affected by any number of variables. The Library does not refund printing fees for completed items that do not come out as intended.
• The Library reserves the right to refuse any print request.
File Limitations
• Acceptable file types: PUB, PNG. Tiff, PDF
• The maximum print size is 36inches in width and 72inches in height
• Printing will only occur during Library operating hours
Equipment
The Learning Lab has various pieces of equipment available for patron use. To use the equipment, patrons must have a current Hickory Public Library card and complete a brief orientation to ensure proper use and safety.
The Lab offers two ways to access equipment, during Open Lab hours and via Reservations.
• During Open Lab hours, the Lab is staffed and patrons can walk in and use available equipment.
• Individual reservations can be made to use Learning Lab equipment outside of Open Lab hours. Reservation requests must be submitted 3 business days before the date of use and may be requested up to 30 days in advance. Equipment is booked in 15-minute increments with a four-hour maximum limit per day. A Learning Lab staff member will be on hand during reservations to provide support if needed.
Equipment Reservation Request
*All non-library materials must be approved by staff before use
|
Equipment |
Access |
Library-Supplied Materials |
Fees |
Non-Library Materials* |
|
Fusion3 & Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro 3D Printers |
-File Submission |
Atomic PLA filament in Gray, Black, Gold, and Silky Aqua |
$.10 cents per gram |
NO |
|
Canon Large Format Printer |
-File Submission |
Basic Paper |
$5.00 per print plus Basic Paper $.25 cents per linear foot |
NO |
|
Button Maker |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
1.25”, 2”, and 3” buttons
|
$.50 cents per button |
YES |
|
Cricut Maker 3
|
-Reservation -Open Lab |
12x12 permanent vinyl sheets, and 12x12 removable vinyl sheets Various tools and light, standard, and strong grip mats Fine, deep point, fabric, engraving, and scoring blades |
$1.00 per 12x12 vinyl sheet (permanent/removable) |
YES |
|
Leather Working Tools |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
Leather pieces while supplies last |
N/A |
YES |
|
Polymer Clay Oven |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
Sculpting tools, parchment paper, and heat protection |
N/A |
YES |
|
WACOM Intuos Pro Pen Tablet |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
WACOM Drawing Pen |
N/A |
NO |
| Portable Photo Studio |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
4 Backdrops (Gray, Light Blue, White, Black) |
N/A | YES |
|
Rigid Heddle Loom |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
|
Knitting Machine
|
-Reservation -Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
|
Yarn Swift and Ball Winder |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
|
LED Light Box Tracer |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
|
Cassette to MP3 Converter |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
|
Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
|
MAC Computer |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
Photoshop, Blender, Inkscape, and more. For a full list of applications, call or visit the library. |
N/A |
N/A |
|
IBM Computer |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
Photoshop, Blender, Inkscape, and more. For a full list of applications, call or visit the library. |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Vivohome Heat Press and Sawgrass Sublimation Printer |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
Sublimation paper, sublimation ink, and heat protection |
$1.00 per 8.5x11 sheet of sublimation paper |
YES |
|
Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
Sewing tools, thread, and bobbins |
N/A |
YES |
|
Brother SE1900 Embroidery and Sewing Machine |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
Sewing tools, thread, tear-away backing, and bobbins |
N/A |
YES |
|
Sears Kenmore Sewing Machine |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
Sewing tools, thread, and bobbins |
N/A |
YES |
|
Brother Ibico Plastic Comb Binding Machine |
-Reservation -Open Lab |
Plastic Combs (1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", and 1" sizes in various colors) |
$.25 cents per plastic comb |
YES |
|
Brother Canon Pixma Pro-200 (Compatible with Cricut Maker 3)
|
-Reservation -Open Lab |
Vinyl Sticker Paper (matte/glossy)
|
$1.00 per print (ink) $1.00 per 8.5x11 sheet of vinyl sticker paper (matte/glossy) |
YES Acceptable paper types are plain paper, sticker paper, vinyl sticker paper, cardstock, greeting cards, and iron-on transfer paper. |
Safety
Follow the safety guidelines below for all projects.
1. If any tool or equipment is not working properly, cease use and notify Library staff immediately.
2. Report any accident or incident that occurs in The Learning Lab to a Library staff member.
3. Adult caregivers should supervise children at all times. Some tools and equipment contain sharp, hot, or otherwise potentially dangerous elements.
4. Keep hands, fingers, hair, loose clothing, and dangling jewelry away from the blades or other moving parts of equipment.
5. When using blades, point them away from you and others and always cut away from the body.
6. Wear clothing appropriate for the activity being performed and safety equipment when applicable.
7. Maintain a tidy workstation. Keep your area free of clutter and debris. Clean up your area after working.
8. Return all tools and materials to a library staff member or to the proper storage area after use.