Create Something Amazing at Spartanburg County Public Library’s Maker Labs

The Headquarters Library in downtown Spartanburg, SC offers some of the most incredible resources for aspiring crafters in its Maker Labs! With two different Maker Labs for kids and adults, anyone can unleash their creativity and learn a new craft these cool new spaces.

Have a project idea you’ve always wanted to try, but don’t have the tools at home? The all-new Maker Labs at Spartanburg County Public Libraries are a dream come true for creators of ages and abilities! And they are available to the public through taxpayer funding, so most of the projects and equipment will come with no additional cost for library patrons.

Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just dipping your toes into something new, the Maker Labs offer state-of-the-art equipment, take-home kits, and live instruction to help you bring your ideas to life.

What is the Maker Lab?

Located upstairs in the Headquarters Library in downtown Spartanburg—just steps away from the new Planetarium Learning Center—the Kitty Black Perkins Maker Lab is a creative workspace designed for teens and adults ages 12 and up. The space is open during regular library hours, and skilled staff members are on hand anytime the library is open to help you learn how to use the equipment or troubleshoot your projects.

Got younger creatives in your crew? Head downstairs to the Junior Maker Lab, located in the Children’s Department of the Headquarter Library. This kid-friendly space is designed for children under age 12 and is open Monday through Friday from 2 to 6pm (closes early at 5pm on Fridays). It’s a perfect spot to let kids experiment with early STEM and craft tools, and no reservations are needed.

Maker Lab Equipment

Because your time may be limited, depending on which crafting equipment you want to use, it’s best to go in knowing what to expect. Many of these machines are available on a drop-in basis, but some equipment may require reservations or orientation before use. We highly recommend calling the Maker Lab at (864) 216-7554 to inquire about specific equipment before your first visit.

Here’s a quick list of some of the awesome tools available for use in the Maker Lab:

• 3D Printers (FDM & Resin)
• NEW! 6-Needle Embroidery Machine
• Sewing Machines
• Long-Arm Quilting Machine
• Laser Cutter
• Sublimation Printer
• Heat Presses
• Button Maker & Bedazzler
• Laminator
• Cricut and Silhouette Machines
• Computers with Adobe Suite, Canva Pro, and more
• VHS-to-DVD and DVD-to-Digital converters

A full list of the equipment in the Maker Labs can be found online.

For many of these machines, you can find appropriate design files online at home, load them on to a flash drive, and bring them with you for use once you get the library.

Try a Class or Workshop

If you’re not sure where to start, the library offers skill-building classes in the nearby Contec Classroom. These sessions are taught by knowledgeable staff or guest instructors and are usually either free or have a minimal materials fee. Popular past classes have included basic sewing, painting, and even chainmail for beginners! You can find upcoming class information on the Library’s crafting calendar.

Take-Home Maker Kits

If you don’t have the time to craft away from home, but would still like to give a new hobby a test drive, the make-away kits are just for you. These kits include different kinds of crafting sets that can be checked out for weeks at a time and used at home.

There are various options, such as wood whittling, jewelry making, knitting, crocheting, rainbow loom, and more. The cake-baking kits are especially popular, with different character-themed baking pans in each one. These are nice to be able to borrow, because most people would not use them more than once if they bought them just for their own household. Take-home kits can also be requested for pickup at your nearest library branch if the Headquarters location is too far away or inconvenient for you.

Check Out the Maker Labs for Yourself

There are so many more things to explore in the Maker Labs than we mention here!

We hope this inspires you to take advantage of this truly unique resource at the Spartanburg County Public Libraries. And don’t worry if a project sounds intimidating. There is a patient, knowledgeable team at the library, just waiting to show you all of the crafting fun you’ve been missing!

Location: Headquarters Library
151 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306
Kitty Black Perkins Maker Lab Hours:
9am-8pm on Monday-Thursday
9am-6pm on Friday
10am-5pm on Saturday
1pm-5pm on Sunday
Junior Maker Lab Hours:
2-6pm on Monday-Thursday
2-5pm on Friday
Contact: (864) 216-7554
Maker Lab Webpage

Have you taken advantage of the Maker Labs?

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