Hampden Branch Library ideaLAB

Customers sewing, making robots, and working on computers at the Hampden Branch Library ideaLAB

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 - Thursday 1 PM -5:30 PM
  • Friday & Saturday 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Closed Sunday & Monday

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?

The Hampden Branch 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 

  • 2 Cricut Maker 3 electronic cutting machine - for cutting paper, vinyl, iron on, fabric, craft foam, and more
  • Wacom Intuos digital drawing tablet
  • Electronic light boxes for tracing
  • 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")