The X Lab is a work space where people with interests in technology and crafts can bring their creations to life.
To use the X Lab, you must be 13 years or older, attend a brief orientation to the space, and have a signed waiver on file. Children under 13 years old must be accompanied by someone 16 years or older to be in the X Lab.
To sign-up for an orientation session, or get additional help on one of the machines, fill out the Book A Librarian form (below) or contact the Adult Reference Desk at (847) 546-7060.
X Lab Availability
The X Lab is open the same hours as the library. Programs do happen regularly in the room and will be closed. To check whether the room is open, click the link below to check the calendar.
The X Lab closes 30 minutes before the library.
Glowforge
With the Glowforge, you can cut and engrave on wood, acrylic, leather, paper, cardboard, food, glass, and much more! To learn more about the Glowforge, you can watch this video. To make an appointment for use to to have something made, please contact mstevens@rlalibrary.org.
Cricut Maker
The Cricut Maker can cut a wide variety of materials including paper, cardstock, vinyl, iron-ons, fabric and even very thin leather or wood. Contact adultservices@rlalibrary.org to schedule an appointment to get certified to use on your own. Bring your own materials to use the machine for free or buy supplies from us $0.25 - $2.50 depending on material.
Sewing/Embroidery Machine
Sew and Embroider a variety of projects with our Brother SE600 Machine. It is free to use this machine if you bring your own thread or just use black or white. To use our assortment of embroidery colored thread, it costs $0.25 per project. Contact adultservices@rlalibrary.org to schedule an appointment to get certified to use on your own.
3D Printer
Make 3 dimensional objects out of PLA (a corn based plastic). Cost is $0.10 per gram of weight of finished project. For design ideas and file downloads, you can browse through thingiverse.com for free 3D print files! You must submit a print job via our website. CLICK HERE for the online form.
Cricut Press
With help from the Cricut Maker, you can now create custom iron-on artwork. This press gives you professional results without the guesswork and it's easy to use. Contact adultservices@rlalibrary.org to schedule an appointment to get certified to use on your own.
Sizzix
The Sizzix is a portable shape-cutting and embossing roller-style machine that lets you create one-of-a-kind cards, invitations, scrapbook pages, home decor, fashion, altered art, quilting and more.
Xyron Sticker Maker
This machines is perfect for creating scrapbook pages, photo greeting cards, labels, tags, regular stickers, and more! It applies an edge-to-edge adhesive to flat items up to 5-inches wide, including paper, photos, ribbons, and more. |
• DIY Alarm System
• Bee Bot
• Code-A-Pillar
• DIY Electric Piano
• Google Cardboard
• Little Bits
• Makey Makey
• DIY Maze Challenge
• Ozobot
• DIY Robotic Beetle
• DIY Robotic Car
• Snap Circuits
• Snap Circuits, Jr.
• Stop Motion Animation
• Pencil sharpener
• Paper trimmer
• Metal stamping kit
• Colored duct tape
• Colored pencils
• Colored sharpies
• Hot glue gun
• X-acto knife
• Cutting mats
• Pens
• Pencils
• First-aid kit
For more information, call (847)546-7060 and ask for the Adult Reference Desk.
