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.
Learning Lab Hours
Sunday: Open Lab 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and by reservation
Monday: Open Lab 12:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and by reservation
Tuesday: Open Lab 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and by reservation
Wednesday: Open Lab 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and by reservation;
Thursday: Open Lab 12:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and by reservation
Friday: By reservation only
Saturday: By reservation only
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.
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.
Reserve 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.
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.
CreativeBug
By signing up for Creativebug you'll enjoy unlimited access to thousands of online art and craft classes. Watch our classes anytime, anywhere. Since our classes never expire, you can start and stop projects at your own pace. No pressure, just possibilities!
Learning Lab To Go Kits
Learning Lab To Go Kits bring STEAM to life at home with tools, technology, and hands-on activities. We offer kits for ages 7-12 and 12+, featuring curated materials aligned with themes like Getting Creative, Outdoor Discovery, Critical Thinking, and Everyday Tech. Explore available kits in our catalog or visit Patrick Beaver Memorial Library.
Plant Share & Seed Exchange
Hickory Public Library’s Plant Share & Seed Exchange cultivates connection with individuals who share a love for plants and gardening. Our Seed Exchange strives to preserve biodiversity, increase food security in the community, and support traditional agriculture.
Video Tutorials
Coming Soon!
The Learning Lab is available to library patrons ages 12 and up with a current Hickory Public Library card. Patrons must sign the user agreement policy and participate in a free orientation session conducted by library staff before using the Lab.
Staff can provide limited assistance; however, patrons are responsible for preparing their designs/projects and using the equipment/software. For more hands-on, staff-led tutorials, check out the Maker Workshops page.
Yes! Staff-led tours of the space and the various equipment can be scheduled. See the About the Learning Lab page for more information.
There is no charge to use the Lab’s reservable equipment. The Lab sells a limited supply of materials which are listed on the “About the Library” page. Maker Workshops and Specialty Printing services have set chargers that can be found on their respective pages.
Yes, outside materials can be used with reservable equipment, as long as they have been approved by Learning Lab staff.
3D print requests can be submitted on the Specialty Printing page. Files can be found online or modeled yourself. To learn more about the basics of 3D modeling, check out our TinkerCAD workshop on the Maker Workshops page.
Making a reservation is recommended to secure your preferred time slot and ensures staff availability for assistance and questions. To see a list of all reservable equipment and make a reservation, see the Reserve Equipment page.
