Hours
The Hampden Branch Library ideaLAB is open year-round, for drop in hours five days a week. Some tools require a reservation, see below for details.
- Tuesday - Friday: 1 - 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 12 - 4:30 PM
We also run virtual workshops and programs — be sure to check the events & classes calendar regularly! Activities and projects are also available online on our Instructables page and Youtube.
What's available in the Hampden ideaLAB?
Sewing and Crafts
- 2 Brother Sewing machines
- Sewing supplies (fabric, thread, patterns, irons)
- Craft supplies (paper, markers, crayons, wood and cardboard crafts, decorating supplies)
- Paints (tempera and acrylic)
- Jewelry and beading tools and supplies
- 1” Button maker (limit 5 button making kits per person per day)
- Embroidery and cross stitch supplies
- Yarn crafts (knitting, crochet, and weaving supplies)
- Pre-made craft activities/kits (rotating selection)
Cricut and Digital Design
- Cricut Maker electronic cutting machine - for cutting paper, vinyl, iron on, fabric, craft foam, and more
- Cricut Explore Air electronic cutting machine - for cutting paper, vinyl, and iron on materials
- Wacom Intuos digital drawing tablet
- Electronic light boxes for tracing
- Scanner
- 2 iMac workstations with:
- Adobe Creative Cloud - Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, and more
- Cricut Design Space software
- Inkscape design software
- GIMP photo editing software
- Autodesk Sketchbook
- iMovie
- Garageband
- Arduino
Electronics and Tools
- Hand tools (screwdrivers, files, sandpaper)
- Dremel rotary tool
- Electronic heat press 12”x10”
- Soldering iron and electronic supplies
- Electronics and coding kits (Makey Makey, microbit, Circuit Playground Express)
3D Printing (by reservation)
Use of the 3D printer and laser cutter in the ideaLAB requires a reservation. Tuesday - Friday these appointment slots are available 1 - 3 PM or 3:15 - 5:15 PM, and Saturdays appointments are available 12 - 2 PM or 2:15 - 4:15 PM.
To make a reservation call the branch at 720-865-0185 or talk to a staff member inside the branch. Appointments are limited to 1 session per person per week. Reservations can be made up to two weeks in advance.
Tools and software available at this station:
- Windows 10 workstation with:
- Cura 3D printer slicing software
- 3D modeling software: Fusion 360, Sketchup, Blender
- 3D print processing software: 3Dbuilder
- Inkscape design software
- GIMP photo editing software
- Lulzbot Mini 3D printer: please see the 3D printing FAQ for more Information about 3D printing in the ideaLABs
- Prints must be completed within your 2 hour reservation slot (including set up and clean up)
Laser Cutting & Engraving (by reservation)
Tools and software available at this station:
- Windows 10 workstation with:
- Adobe Creative Cloud - Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, and more
- Inkscape design software
- GIMP photo editing software
- Dremel LC40 Laser Cutter: please see the laser cutter FAQ for more Information about acceptable materials and how to access the cutter. Cuts and engravings must be completed within your 2 hour reservation slot
Note: This is a different machine than Hampden has used in the past and has different material and size constraints. While the laser can cut through wood up to a 1/4" thick, it takes multiple passes. We recommend only cutting material up to 1/8" thick in order to complete your job within the reservation window.- Cutting and engraving area 12” x 20” (area slightly smaller for engravings). Maximum material height is 1.25”.
- Wood
- Basswood, birch and walnut plywood, untreated (engrave / cut up to 1/4")
- Cork (engrave only)
- Maple, solid, untreated (engrave / cut up to 1/8")
- Oak, solid, untreated (engrave / cut up to 1/8")
- Walnut, solid, untreated (engrave / cut up to 1/")
- Paper
- Cardboard (engrave / cut up to 1/4")
- Mat board (engrave / cut up to 1/4")
- Paper (engrave / cut)
- Fabric
- 100% Cotton fabric (engrave / cut)
- Denim fabric (engrave / cut)
- Felt, wool (cut only)
- Plastic
- Acrylic (engrave / cut up to 1/4")