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
Dive in to the Makerspace!
Drop-in with the kids to the Makerspace from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday until August 15, to create under the sea themed crafts as part of the Summer Reading Club!
Can’t make it to the drop-in? You can still participate! Stop by the Makerspace during opening hours to pick up that week’s project supplies and complete the activity at home! Some limits may apply.
Each week will feature a different project:
Aug 4, 5 and 8: Aquatic Plushies
Aug 11, 12 and 15: Glowing Diorama
Teen Makerspace Nights
Youth ages 12-18 are invited to drop-in and take over the Makerspace from 5-6 p.m. every Thursday until August 13 for an evening of creativity, crafting and hanging out. Design and create your own projects using Makerspace equipment, or relax and explore a wide variety of art and craft supplies while connecting with other creative youth.
Most materials are provided free of charge, although some specialty supplies may require a small fee.
Métis Embroidery Workshop
Join us in the Makerspace on Friday, August 14 from 2:30-4 p.m. for a Métis Embroidery Workshop led by facilitators from the Métis Nation of Ontario Summer Youth Program. Explore Métis culture and history while learning the fundamentals of hand embroidery, including beginner-friendly stitching techniques. Participants will create a personalized embroidered design they can take home and apply to an item of their choice. All materials provided. Free! A Library membership is required. This program is FULL. Please call the Makerspace at 705-325-2556 to join the waitlist. Recommended for ages 16 and up.
Fantasy Mapmaking
Step into the world of fantasy mapmaking with artist Ingrid Janssen! Whether you're inspired by epic quests, enchanted forests, hidden kingdoms, or mystical creatures, you'll learn mapmaking techniques used to bring your legendary locations to life! Please call the Makerspace at 705-325-2556 to register.
Youth ages 12–18 are invited to register free of charge for a teen-only session on Thursday, August 20, from 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Adults ages 18+ can register for a session on Thursday, August 27, from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Library membership is required. A $10 materials fee is payable at the beginning of the adult session.
Family Glass Fusion Workshop
Join Hilarie from The Bougie Mermaid on Saturday, August 22 at 2:30 p.m. to create a beautiful 4" x 4" fused glass sun catcher! This family-friendly workshop welcomes adults and children to register together and create a project as a team. Individuals ages 13 and up, including adults, may also register on their own. Choose from a selection of designs and create a unique piece of glass art to brighten your home.
No experience is necessary, and all materials are provided. Please visit the Library Check Out Desk in person to sign-up Cost is $30 per project. Please register for one space per project. Maximum two children per adult. Participants must have a valid Orillia Public Library membership to register. The final date to register is Friday, August 14th.
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
- Tuesday, August 4: Open 1-5 (Open from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for Dive into the Makerspace! drop-In)
- Wednesday, August 5: Open 1-5 (Open from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for Dive into the Makerspace! drop-In)
- Thursday, August 6: Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Open from 5-7 p.m. for Teen Makerspace Drop-In)
- Saturday, August 8: (Open from 1-4 p.m. for Dive into the Makerspace! drop-In)
- Tuesday, August 11: Open 1-5 (Open from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for Dive into the Makerspace! drop-In)
- Wednesday, August 12: Open 1-5 (Open from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. for Dive into the Makerspace! drop-In)
- Thursday, August 13: Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (Open from 5-7 p.m. for Teen Makerspace Drop-In)
- Friday, August 14: Open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Open 2:30-4 p.m. for Métis Embroidery Workshop)
- Saturday, August 15: (Open from 1-4 p.m. for Dive into the Makerspace! drop-In)
- Tuesday, August 18: Open 1-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 19: Open 1-5 p.m.
- Thursday, August 20: Open 1-4:30 p.m. (Open 5:30-7:30 p.m. for Fantasy Mapmaking for Teens)
- Saturday, August 22: Open 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Family Glass Fusion Workshop will take place in the Program Rooms at 2:30 p.m.)
- Tuesday, August 25: Open 1-5 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 26: Open 1-5 p.m.
- Thursday, August 27: Open 1-4:30 p.m. (Open 5:30-7:30 p.m. for Fantasy Mapmaking for Adults)
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.
