The Downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library has two unique spaces designed to connect patrons with new and emerging technology to build, design, craft, and create.

Trained library staff are available to teach and guide use of the equipment.

Appointment times are dependent on staff and equipment availability.

Request an appointment

*Materials such as inputs for the 3D printers are provided for initial use while learning; repeat users may be asked to provide their own materials. 

Funding for the Maker Room is generously provided by The Giacoletto Foundation.

The Certified Learner program is for those who want to dive deeper into the equipment and learn to use it independently.

The Cricut and 3D Printer require certification. Each machine requires separate certification. To become certified, you need to complete at least three 1-hour appointments with staff before doing a certification appointment.

During the 2-hour certification appointment the librarian will go over safety information, machine maintenance, and room-use expectations. The librarian will also assess your ability to complete a series of tasks which are recorded by staff and available through the library's Beanstack app.

Once certified, you can use the machine independently during Maker Spaces open hours or by appointment.

Would you like to use this space for your group or large project? Email programming@crlibrary.org. 

Open Hours are on hiatus for the summer and will return this fall. Please request an appointment to use the Maker Spaces.

Open Hours provide certified learners with an opportunity to use the Maker Spaces machines without an appointment. Certified learners may only use the machines they have been trained on during this time. The machines are available on a first-come, first-served basis. All projects need to be completed by the end of drop-in hours or a follow-up appointment will need to be made.

The button maker, sewing machines, archival scanner, photo/document scanner, and AccuCut may be used without certification during Open Hours. Training is not provided on these machines during this time. Individuals using these machines should have projects prepared beforehand. Please request an appointment if assistance or training is necessary.

Equipment Available 

Prusa MK3S+ 3D Printer: Create three dimensional objects layer by layer using a computer-created design. Learn more.

Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine: Computer-controlled cutting plotter, used for cutting paper, felt, vinyl, fabric, and more. A Cricut Easy Press 2 12" by 10" Heat Press is also available. Learn more.

American Button Machines Button Maker: Create high-quality pinback metal buttons. 

1" Button Template 
1" Button Template Word Doc

2.25" Button Template
2.25" Button Template Word Doc

3" Button Template
3" Button Template Word Doc

Accucut Die Cut Machine and Dies: 

Hand operated die-cutting machine that uses commercial steel-rule dies to cut through cardstock, chipboard, fabric and more.  

List of the Accucut dies available at the Library - Accucut Die List 2023.xlsx

Janome Jem Gold Plus Model 661 Sewing Machines: These sewing machines offer 12 stitches, a four-step buttonhole, built-in needle threader, one-hand thread cutter and quick foot conversion.

Epson Perfection V600 Photo, Film, Negative, and Document Scanner: High performance scanner with a 6400x9600 dpi resolution that can scan photos, film, slides, and everyday documents.

Plustek Photo Scanner: Sheet-feed scanner that can quickly scan items that are 3x5, 4x6, 5x7, and 8x10, and 8.5 x 11. Scans can be made at 300 or 600 dpi.