Mississaga Street Entrance Closed

Please use the West Street or Andrew Street entrances while work is being completed on the Mississaga Street doors.

Makerspace

photo a 3d printer

Welcome to the Makerspace!

We are excited to welcome you to our Makerspace!  We invite patrons of all ages to try out new technologies and creative tools including our:

  • 3D printing station
  • sewing machine
  • vinyl cutter
  • laser cutter
  • VHS conversion station 
  • button maker

NEW! Memories Media Lab - Book now to digitize and preserve your cherished memories!

  • High-Quality Slide & Negative Scanning
  • VHS Home Movie Digitizing
  • High-Speed Photo Scanning
  • 8mm & Super 8 Film Digitizing
  • Cassette Tape Audio Digitizing
  • Touch-Free Overhead Scanning
  • Slide & Negative Quick Scanning & Viewing
  • Cerlox Document Binding

 

 Upcoming Events

Crafternoon for Older Adults: Kimekomi Ornament Workshop

Get into the holiday spirit with a little creativity! Join us for on Friday, November 13 from 2:30-4 p.m. for a fun afternoon making a beautiful Kimekomi ornaments using colourful fabric, ribbon, and your imagination. Your finished ornament will be ready for gifting, complete with a gift box and handmade gift tag!

All supplies are provided. Register now for this free program. (A valid Library membership is required.)

Makerspace PA Day Drop-In: Giant Speech Bubbles
Drop-in to the Makerspace on Friday, November 20 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to bring your love of comics and graphic novels to life by creating your own giant speech bubble! Use the ChompSaw to cut out your shape, then fill it with bold words, bright colours and characters from your favourite books! Create a tribute to a beloved series or dream up a brand-new comic-inspired masterpiece. Free! Recommended for ages 4+

Beginner Calligraphy Workshop

Slow down, unplug, and get creative with artist Ingrid Janssen at our Beginner Calligraphy Workshop on Wednesday, November 25, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. in the Library Makerspace.

In this hands-on session, you’ll learn basic calligraphy techniques and create a personalized greeting card to take home. No experience needed—all materials are provided.

Ages 18+. $10 per person due at the beginning of the program. A valid Library membership is required to register. (If you are unable to attend, please provide at least 72 hours’ notice so your spot can be offered to someone on the waitlist.)  Register now.


FAQs 

When is the Makerspace Open?

  • Tuesday–Thursday: 1-7 p.m.
  • Friday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Closed 1–2 p.m.)
  • Saturday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Closed 1–2 p.m.)
  • *(We are CLOSED Sundays and Mondays.) 
*Please note: The Makerspace will have adjusted/extended hours on the following dates
  • Wednesday, November 11 - Library CLOSED
  • Thursday, November 12: Open 1-5 p.m. 
  • Friday, November 13: Open 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Open from 2:30-4 p.m. for Crafternoon for Older Adults: Kimekomi Ornament Workshop - Join the Waitlist!)
  • Thursday, November 19: Open 1-5 p.m. 
  • Friday, November 20: Open 2-5 p.m. (Open 10 a.m. -1 p.m. for Makerspace PA Day Drop-In)
  • Tuesday, November 24: Open 1-5 p.m. 
  • Wednesday, November 25: Open 1-4:30 p.m. 
  • Thursday, November 26: Open 1-5 p.m. 
  • Friday, November 27: Closed
  • Saturday, November 28: Closed

What can I create in the Makerspace?

The possibilities are endless! Laser cut a personalized puzzle, 3D print spare parts, create personalized t-shirts, print posters for your events and so much more! Do you have a project in mind but not sure where to start? Contact us and we'll help guide you in your creative process!

Who Can Use the Makerspace?

The OPL Makerspace is available to anyone with a valid Orillia Public Library card and who has signed the Makerspace Agreement. If you don't have a library card, you can learn more about membership options here. Anyone who is not eligible for a free Orillia Public Library card must purchase a paid membership to use Makerspace equipment.

Do I need to make a booking?

Booking is recommended to ensure availability. Please fill out our Makerspace Booking Form and a staff member will be in touch to confirm your time.

Walk-ins are welcome, however equipment use and staff assistance will be subject to availability. Those who have made appointments will have priority access to equipment and staff time. 

Patrons may only have one future booking at a time. Once a scheduled appointment is complete, you will be welcome to make another booking. 

Due to the demand in the Makerspace, we may be required to cancel your appointment if you are more than 15 minutes late for your booking.

Can I bring my own materials?

Most equipment in the Makerspace can become damaged if the wrong types of materials are used. For this reason, we provide approved materials to use in our machines (some at an additional cost). If you would like to bring in your own material, it must be approved by a Makerspace staff member.

Customers under 13 years of age need to be accompanied by an adult to use Maker equipment.

Equipment: xTool P2S 

 

The xTool P2S is an exciting tool that can be used to transform digital designs into functional and artistic objects using a variety of materials. Whether you're creating custom signs, intricate artwork, or personalized gifts, the xTool delivers great results!

 

A range of materials can be laser cut or engraved, including:

  • Untreated wood

  • Laser-safe plywood

  • Bamboo

  • MDF

Materials are available for purchase in the Makerspace, or you can bring your own. Please check with Makerspace staff to ensure compatibility.

 

Cost: $5 per use for up to 30 minutes, plus $2 for every additional 30 minutes. Materials extra. 

 

**Must be 18 years of age or older to book. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A laser safety orientation must be completed before using the machine. 

 

Email us for more details or make your booking today!

Equipment: The OPL Makerspace houses 3 Bambu P1P 3D printers

How to Use the OPL 3D Printers:

How to Use the OPL 3D Printers:

At the OPL Makerspace, all 3D printing is done through a guided, staff-supported process. Book an appointment now for an in-person, hands-on session where staff will guide you through the 3D printing process. We'll help you select your file for printing, resize your item, select your colour, and show you how to operate our 3D printers! Email us for more info.

Pricing:

  • Printing Fee: $0.75 for every 30 minutes of printing time.

More questions?  View our 3D Printer FAQ page.

Equipment: Cricut Explore

 

A Cricut is an electronic cutting machine. It cuts, scores, and draws on a variety of materials including vinyl, iron-on material, paper and more!

 

Cost: The Cricut is free to use. Bring your own materials or use ours for an additional cost. 

Cricut Basic Vinyl -  $3 per 12x12 inch piece of material
Cricut Everyday Iron-On - $7 per 12x12 inch piece of material

 

Book the Cricut for up to two hours. (Booking recommended.)

Equipment: Brother SE 600 Sewing Machine

 

Cost: Free to use for up to one hour per day. $1 for each additional hour.

 

Book the sewing machine for up to two hours. (Booking recommended.)

Equipment: imagePROGRAPH TA-20

 

Create posters and large prints up to 24x36 inches. 

 

Cost:

Standard Quality Paper: $7.50 per 24x36 inch print

  • This budget-friendly option is ideal for event posters, presentations, large colouring sheets and short-term displays.

High Quality Paper: $15 per 24x36 inch print

  • Ideal for prints where image quality, colour and longer-term use matter most, such as photographs, artwork, and more professional-looking posters.

 

Please email your file as an attachment to makerspace@orilliapubliclibrary.ca and we will let you know when it is ready for pick-up.

Equipment: VHS-to-Digital Converter

Our VHS-to-Digital conversion station allows you to make copies of your personal VHS or VHS-C recordings. Recordings can be saved to a recordable DVD-R disk, a USB flash drive (minimum 5 GB recommended), or upload your digital files to the cloud to create a digital copy ready for playback.

Equipment is self-serve.  Staff will give you an overview of the equipment and assist with any technical issues.  (The videotape will play and record in real time—in other words, if you have a two-hour videotape, it will take two hours to create a digital copy.) 

Cost: $2 per VHS tape transfer

UBS sticks and DVD-R discs can be purchased in the Makerspace, or bring your own.

  • $2 per DVD-R disc
  • $10 per USB stick

Booking is recommended.  Book the VHS Conversion Station now. (Our standard booking is two hours. However, if you wish to book a longer session, please let us know in the booking comments.  Depending on the length of your tape, you may have to make multiple appointments.)

Please note: This machine is for use with personal VHS recordings only. Duplication of licensed work is an infringement of copyright law and is not permitted.

Equipment: Foldio 

 

The Foldio portable photo studio and turn table allows you to take professional level photos of your products and Makerspace projects! The Foldio i2 24x24x20 inches in size.

 

Cost: Free

 

Book the Foldio for up to two hours. (Booking recommended.)

Equipment: iMac Computer

 

This iMac computer is loaded with software to help you create your digital masterpiece. 

  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Garage Band
  • iMovie
  • Photos
  • Inkscape

 

Book the iMac for up to two hours. (Booking recommended.)

Equipment: Button Maker

 

Create personalized pin-back buttons using the button press. 

 

Cost:

  • $$0.50

 

Book the Button Maker for up to two hours at a time. (Booking recommended.)

View our Makerspace Policy.

Contact Us

Orillia Public Library
36 Mississaga Street West
Orillia, Ontario
L3V 3A6
Email: info@orilliapubliclibrary.ca
Phone: 705-325-2338
Fax: 705-327-1744

Opening hours

Monday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Tuesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Wednesday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday 1-4 p.m.