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 and 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. Learning Lab Equipment Reservation
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
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 one Fusion3 3D Printer that prints 3D objects and one Canon Large Format Printer that prints large posters, banners, etc. 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. 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.
Fusion3 3D Printer
The Learning Lab features one Fusion3 F410 3D Printer, an enclosed single-extrusion printer with a multi-zone heated print bed.
Important Information
• We will not modify files; files are printed exactly as they are submitted to us.
• All files are printed using Atomic PLA filament.
• Files are sliced by The Learning Lab using Fusion3’s slicing software, REACTOR.
• Objects are weighed at the end of the print to determine the exact cost. The cost per item is $2.00 plus $.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 done 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 size is 14x14x12.4 inches (355x355x315 mm) and the max volume is 1.38 cubic feet.
• 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
• 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 done 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 any of the equipment, patrons must have a Hickory 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 days before the date of use and may be requested up to 30 days in advance. Equipment is booked in 30-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.
*All non-library materials must be approved by staff prior to use
|
Equipment |
Access |
Library-Supplied Materials |
Fees |
Non-Library Materials* |
|
Fusion 3D Printer |
-File Submission |
PLA Filament |
$2.00 per item plus $.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 |
-Open Lab |
1”, 2”, and 3” buttons
|
$.50 cents per button |
YES |
|
Cricut Maker 3
|
-Open Lab |
Various tools and cutting mats |
N/A |
YES |
|
Leather Working Tools |
-Open Lab |
Leather pieces while supplies last |
N/A |
YES |
|
Polymer Clay Oven |
-Open Lab |
Sculpting Tools |
N/A |
YES |
|
WACOM Intuos Pro Pen Tablet |
-Open Lab |
WACOM Drawing Pen |
N/A |
NO |
| Portable Photo Studio |
-Open Lab |
4 Backdrops (Gray, Light Blue, White, Black) |
N/A | YES |
|
Rigid Heddle Loom |
-Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
|
Knitting Machine
|
-Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
|
Yarn Swift and Ball Winder |
-Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
|
LED Light Box Tracer |
-Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
| Cassette to MP3 Converter |
-Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
|
Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner |
-Open Lab |
N/A |
N/A |
YES |
|
MAC Computer |
-Open Lab |
Photoshop, Blender, Inkscape, and more. For a full list of applications, call or visit the library. |
N/A |
N/A |
|
IBM Computer |
-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 |
-Open Lab |
Sublimation paper, sublimation ink, and heat protection. | $1.00 per 8.5X11 | YES |
| Brother CS6000i Sewing Machine |
-Open Lab |
Sewing tools, thread, and bobbins | N/A | YES |
| Sears Kenmore Sewing Machine |
-Open Lab |
Sewing tools, thread, and bobbins | N/A | YES |
Safety
Follow the safety guidelines below for all projects.
1. If any tool or piece of 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.