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(219) 873-3042 | 100 E. 4th Street, Michigan City, IN 46360 | Open Monday-Thursday 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Friday-Saturday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Check out the library’s new Makerspace for kids and teens, now open in the Youth Services area! The Makerspace is a place where young people can tinker, design, craft, create, and explore. It includes a variety of equipment and projects for guided exploration and hands-on learning in the STEAM areas (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math). The Makerspace is open to kids ages 6 through 18 (if still in high school). Read the full Makerspace guidelines below.

Youth Services desk and makerspace
Youth Services desk and makerspace
makerspace
Dream, Make, Tinker mural
Youth Services desk and makerspacemakerspaceDream, Make, Tinker mural

General Guidelines

  1. Use of the Makerspace is for children through 18 years (if still in high school). Exceptions may occur in cases of library staff-led programming.
    1. Children ages six (6) and under must have an adult present with them in the Makerspace.
    2. Children under the age of ten (10) must have an adult present in Youth Services.
    3. Children ages ten (10) through twelve (12) must have an adult present in the library.
    4. Children ages thirteen (13) and over may be in the library without adult supervision.
    5. Some programs may require direct adult supervision regardless of the age of the child.
    6. Library staff reserve the right to request adult supervision at any time regardless of the age of the child.
  1. Equipment and materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
  2. Some equipment, such as 3D printing, is limited to children through age 18 who have a valid MCPL library card.
  3. Some equipment is available to those who have taken and passed an instructional class on the use and safety of the equipment. Classes are offered at varying times.  Registration is required.
  4. Equipment used in the space must be returned to their original location and in their original condition. The workspace also needs to be cleaned by the User.
  5. Some free consumable materials are provided on a limited basis.
  6. Some consumables, such as those for 3D printing, will have a nominal charge, due at the time of use or charged to the User’s account.
  7. The Michigan City Public Library is not responsible if a project does not print correctly or does not work (3D printing).
  8. The Michigan City Public Library is not responsible for any manufacturing defects or the quality of workmanship of any of the tools, materials, or equipment supplied by the Library.
  9. The Michigan City Public Library reserves the right to halt, delete, or disallow the creation of items that violate Library policies, including the creation of weapons, obscene materials, or illegal items.
  10. Only library computers may be connected to library equipment.
  11. Projects are subject to approval by staff prior to use of machinery.
  12. The Michigan City Public Library upholds the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) and the patent law (Title 35, United States Code). The Michigan City Public Library reserves the right to deny access to reproducing equipment, including 3D printers, if, in its judgment, use of such equipment would involve violation of copyright, patent, or other laws.
  13. The Michigan City Public Library is not responsible for personal property or files.
  14. The maker (or minor’s parent/guardian) is responsible to pay any Michigan City Public Library costs for use of machines, materials, and supplies provided by the Library, and for all loss or damage to Library property or clean-up expense. All costs are charged to the patron’s library account. Failure to follow the Makerspace Policy can result in loss of Makerspace privileges.
  15. Food and drink are prohibited in the Makerspace.
  16. The Michigan City Public Library’s Internet Use Policy applies to the Makerspace.
  17. Users need to check in with the Youth Services staff member on duty each time before using the space.
  18. Users with blocked accounts can continue to use the free Makerspace services but cannot incur additional costs, unless paid for at the time of use.
  19. When using equipment that does not require certification, the User is certifying that he/she is capable of using that item in a safe and proper manner.
  20. Patrons with disabilities and/or patrons who are in need of special arrangements or accommodations are requested to notify staff as far in advance as possible, minimum of 24 hours, before their expected time of use.
  21. Some tools require specific safety gear as described in certification training. All safety gear must be worn as instructed.
  22. Certain equipment may also require hair to be tied back and any dangling items, like jewelry, to be secured, covered, or removed before use.
  23. Appropriate close-toed shoes and clothing must be worn in the Makerspace.
  24. Makers agree to take necessary steps to avoid messes and waste of materials in the space.
  25. Users should immediately report to Library staff the following:
    1. Any tool or piece of equipment that is unsafe or in a state of disrepair. The maker must immediately discontinue use of the tool.
    2. Any accident or incident that occurs to the maker or a Library staff member.
    3. Any unsafe behavior by anyone.

3D Printing

3d printer printing building models

  • You must have a valid Michigan City Public Library (MCPL) library card to request a 3D print.
  • The fee for 3D printing is $1.00 per hour ($0.25 every 15 minutes) of print time.
  • All prints must be paid for or charged to the user’s account BEFORE the print is started.
  • Prints must be picked up within 10 (ten) days of completion. Otherwise, they become the property of Michigan City Public Library.

3D Printing Safety and Guidelines Policy

Safety

  • Users must always check in with Youth Services staff prior to entering the Makerspace.
  • Patrons with disabilities and/or patrons who are in need of special arrangements or accommodations must notify MCPL Youth Services staff as far in advance (minimum 24 hours) as possible before their expected time of use.
  • Long hair must be tied back and any dangling items, like jewelry, to be secured, covered, or removed before use.
  • Appropriate close-toed shoes and clothing must be worn in the makerspaces.
  • Food and drink are prohibited in the Makerspace.

Guidelines

  • The 3D printer may only be used during designated times when library staff or a certified designee is present to operate the printer.
  • Users or their guardians must have a valid MCPL library card.
  • Users may reserve 3D printer time in advance. Times vary for printer availability,
  • Users must pay a nominal fee for use of the printer prior to printing. All projects must be paid in advance, or charged to the User’s account, at the Circulation Desk.
  • Print jobs must be completed thirty (30) minutes prior to the library closing time. The printer may not run outside of library operating hours,
  • The Library is not responsible for any object created with 3D printers or any harm incurred by a printed object.
  • The Library is not responsible for any harm or injury incurred as a result of any usage of the equipment.
  • The workspace needs to be cleaned before the User leaves.
  • The User will avoid wasting supplies and materials.
  • Projects by Users who reserved printer time will be given printing priority. Otherwise, projects will be printed in first come, first served order.
  • The library reserves the right to delay or change the printing order of projects depending on how long a project may take to print.
  • Once the print is requested and paid for, the User may leave and return later to pick up the completed print. Prior to leaving, the User must provide their contact information to Youth Services staff.
  • The User will be notified when their print is complete. Items not picked up after 10 days become the property of the MCPL.
  • Supervision of the use of the 3D printers by Library staff does not constitute knowledge, or acknowledgment, of any unapparent final use of the 3D product, and the Library specifically disclaims any knowledge thereof.
  • Only MCPL supplied finishing materials may be used.
  • MCPL reserves the right to stop, delete, or disallow the creation of items that violate MCPL policy, including the creation of weapons, pornography, or illegal items.
  • Only MCPL computers may be connected to library equipment, including 3D printers.
  • The Michigan City Public Library upholds the copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) and the patent law (Title 35, United States Code). The Michigan City Public Library reserves the right to deny access to reproducing equipment, including 3D printers, if, in its judgment, use of such equipment would involve violation of copyright, patent, or other laws.

The 3D printer must be used for lawful purposes only. The Library Director or designee reserves the right to reject any print job application.   Examples of unlawful purposes or potentially rejected jobs include, but are not limited to:

  1. Anything prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
  2. Unsafe, harmful, or dangerous items that pose a threat to the well-being of others.
  3. Obscene or otherwise inappropriate items for the library environment.
  4. Work that is in violation of another’s intellectual property rights.
  5. Material that is subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.
  6. A job that is too large or complex.

MCPL does not accept responsibility for the following:

  1. If a project is destroyed, does not print correctly, or does not work.
  2. Any manufacturing defects or the quality of workmanship of any of the tools, materials or equipment supplied by MCPL.
  3. User equipment or files left behind.
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