Makerspace Policy

Purpose

The Smyth County Public Library created a makerspace, The Makery, to provide members of the community with opportunities to learn new skills, to explore new technologies, and to pursue creative endeavors. The makerspace is also intended to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Equipment

The Makery has a wide range of equipment available. Available equipment includes 3-D printers and 3-D scanners, a laser cutter, a Cricut Venture, a mug press, a heat press, a sublimation printer, sewing machines, an embroidery machine, and an Apple Studio workstation equipped with the Adobe Creative Suite. There are also two desktop computers equipped with software to design projects to be executed on the equipment. Additional equipment will be added periodically.

Access

Patrons wishing to participate in programs offered by the Makery or to use equipment during open lab hours must have an SCPL library card in good standing and must sign a user agreement/liability waiver. There is no fee for use of equipment or tools in the makerspace.

Due to the nature of the equipment being operated in the The Makery, it is not a space designed for young children. Patrons must be at least 16 years old to access The Makery on their own; those under 18 years of age must present a user agreement/liability waiver signed by a parent. Children aged 12-15 may use the makerspace when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Makery will offer both instructional programs designed to teach patrons to use the equipment safely and open lab time when patrons may work on projects of their choice. Behavior in the Makerspace must follow the SCPL patron behavior policy and the Makerspace expectations posted in the room. Reservations may be required for programs or for access to specific pieces of equipment during open lab time.

Safety

All equipment in The Makery must be used as designed to ensure the safety of patrons and staff. Patrons must comply with instructions from SCPL staff or designated personnel as well as written operating instructions posted in the room. Failure to do so will result in loss of access to The Makery. Patrons should notify library staff immediately of any equipment malfunction. Patrons may not move equipment nor remove it from the makerspace.

Training

Patrons will be required to participate in training on some pieces of equipment they wish to use. Training will be in person or online depending on the piece of equipment. Written instructions will be available in The Makery for each piece of equipment.

Materials

SCPL will endeavor to ensure that cost does not become a barrier to use of The Makery, but patrons should plan to cover the cost of materials for their projects. Patrons may bring their own supplies as long as they meet the quality standards defined by SCPL to avoid damaging the equipment. SCPL may have a limited supply of materials available for purchase. SCPL will accept donations of appropriate supplies to support the use of the facility by all members of the community.

Content

The Makery equipment cannot be used to create:

Anything prohibited by state or federal law.
Anything that is unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or which poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
A weapon, in part or whole, or any object that can be mistaken for a weapon.
Drug paraphernalia.
Items that violate the intellectual property rights of others. For example, reproducing material that is subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection.
Anything that is lewd, malicious, or otherwise unsuitable to a shared public space.

SCPL reserves the right to refuse any project submission. The Director’s decision on the suitability of projects will be final.

SCPL is not responsible for any equipment malfunction or manufacturing defect nor for the quality of the finished product. Patrons use the equipment in The Makery at their own risk.

This policy was approved by the Smyth County Public Library Board of Trustees at their regular meeting on November 20, 2025. It will be reviewed in November 2026.