19 MakerSpace Tips and Tricks from CHPL Staff

Written by Liz Foreman, Brand Coordinator, Downtown Main Library

The Library’s MakerSpace locations are popular! MakerSpace equipment use increased by 17.6% in 2025 compared to 2024, which is no suprise given its value in education and community building.

Whether you’re new to our MakerSpace locations or a regular visitor, these tips and tricks from the Library are how staff can help you make the most of your experience.

Reserve in Advance, Plus Tips for Last-Minute Reservations

“For folks wanting to make last-minute MakerSpace reservations, my best advice is to check the online reservation system daily. Reservation holders sometimes get their project done sooner than they expect, which means they could cancel any future reservations they had, creating an opportunity for a last-minute reservation.” - Corey G., North Building Supervisor, Downtown Main Library
“For the vinyl printer at the Symmes Township Branch Library, you’ll want to book a minimum of 2-3 weeks in advance. It’s definitely not one you want to wait until the last minute to try and get done. You can always walk in and see if there was a cancellation or no-show, but it’s never a guarantee unless reserved in advance.” - Steven R., Library Customer Specialist at the Symmes Twp. Branch Library
“Our biggest tip for customers would be to come prepared to maximize your time. It’s a real bummer when a customer doesn’t have enough time to finish a project. Using resources like Thingiverse to find projects to 3D print in advance of the reservation helps a ton. We often recommend starting with the MakerSpace website, visiting the location to see the equipment in action, or calling for more information.” - Siobhan L., Branch Manager at the Loveland Branch Library

View MakerSpace locations and reservation information.

We’re Here to Serve You

“Come to the MakerSpace about 30 minutes before your reservation. That way, our staff can help double-check files to make sure they are ready to print. And if they aren’t ready, we have time to fix the files before the reservation starts, which means the customer can use their entire reservation printing instead of using that time fixing their file.” - Corey G., North Building Supervisor at the Downtown Main Library
“Please give us a call or stop by with any questions. We’re happy to talk through project ideas with you in advance to see if the space and equipment will be of use to you!” - Steven R., Library Customer Specialist at the Symmes Twp. Branch Library
“Staff has special training to understand the intricacies of the machines. Ask for help getting started with the machine that you’re using. Staff will be happy to show you how to launch the software, load the files, and adjust the settings.” - Liz F., Brand Coordinator, Downtown Main Library
“Read on our website about the equipment you are planning to use prior to your visit, including watching any video tutorials that may be available. The information there is a good primer and helps prepare customers to better jump straight into their projects when arriving.” - Steven R., Library Customer Specialist at the Symmes Twp. Branch Library

File Preparation Advice

“If you have the file available in multiple formats such as JPG, PNG, PDF, etc., we encourage you to bring all types with you. That way if one format isn’t cooperating, we can easily pivot to another one.” - Steven R., Library Customer Specialist at the Symmes Twp. Branch Library
“Save the file to a flash drive in advance and bring the file with you for easiest access. People often want to email the file to themselves or open it from a web account page. If you use a flash drive, you don’t have to bring these passwords with you.” - Steven R., Library Customer Specialist at the Symmes Twp. Branch Library
“Creating buttons? We suggest creating your button design ahead of time using the Library’s button maker templates. Create your design at home or use one of the Library’s computers. You can take advantage of free printing at the Library, too.” - Steven R., Library Customer Specialist at the Symmes Twp. Branch Library
“Book the maximum time allowable (two hours for all our equipment) if you’re new or relatively new to using the equipment and don’t know how much time you’ll need. It’s much better to have the time and not need it than to need the time and not have it.” - Steven R., Library Customer Specialist at the Symmes Twp. Branch Library

Branch-Specific MakerSpace Equipment

MakerSpace equipment varies by location.

The direct-to-garment printer is only available at the Forest Park Branch Library’s MakerSpace. These tips all come from Shaun D., Senior Branch Manager.

“The more natural your fabric is, the better. Material that is at least 60 percent cotton or organic material works the best.”
“Get creative! We have three different plate sizes that you can use. Users have printed on sweatshirts, baby onesies, jackets, tote bags, and more. If it’s flat and fits, it will print!”
“It doesn’t hurt to have some test material handy so you can try out the machine first. It’s easy to use, but there is a learning curve.”

Learn more or reserve the Direct to Garment printer.

Large-scale vinyl printers are available at several MakerSpace locations. They’re a popular way to create outdoor banners, among other projects.

“Creating a poster or banner on a vinyl printer? Make sure you create your design with the dimensions of the location’s printer in mind. As the smallest vinyl printer in the system, the Reading Branch Library’s vinyl printer can print designs up to 18.5” wide.” - Rebecca M., Reading Branch Library

Learn more or reserve a vinyl printer.

Silhouette Cameo cutting machines are available at the Loveland and St. Bernard branch libraries. The Madisonville Branch Library offers a Silhouette Cameo 4 Pro machine. The Downtown Main Library offers a Cricut.

“Download the free basic edition of the Silhouette Studio software at home. It’s also available on Library computers that are connected to the machines for last-minute adjustments during your reservation! That way, you can create or prepare your design in advance.” - Kaya B., Senior Branch Manager at the St. Bernard Branch Library

Learn more or reserve a cutting machine.

The Sublimation printer is one of the newest pieces of MakerSpace equipment. It’s located at the Downtown Main Library.

“Polyester fabric works the best, blends of polyester and other fabrics work okay, and 100 percent cotton can work but the colors will be muted. My best advice is to buy sublimation spray to make the colors pop on a cotton shirt.” - Corey G., North Building Supervisor, Downtown Main Library
“Most people also think the sublimination printer only does shirts but it can do hats, mugs, plates, and about a thousand other things as long as those items are able to be sublimated. So, you can’t just toss in an old mug, but you can order special sublimation mugs online that look identical to a normal mug.” - Corey G., North Building Supervisor, Downtown Main Library

Learn more or reserve the Sublimation printer.

Button makers are available at all MakerSpace locations.

“Making a large number of buttons? If you can, bring a friend! While one person is using our sized circle cutters on the image, the other can start pressing the buttons.” - Rebecca M., Reading Branch Library

Learn more about the MakerSpace button makers.

See which CHPL location has the equipment you need.

Liz Foreman is currently reading "Ducks, Newburyport" by Lucy Ellmann.