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Makerspace Research

What machines do library makerspaces have, and which ones need a class first?

We read the makerspace pages of 526 public libraries. Most list their machines, often down to the brand and model, but few say which ones need a class first.

526
Library systems checked
66%
Name a machine
Cricut
Most named brand
23%
Tie training to a machine

346 of 526 library systems post an age rule

Each filled icon is a library whose pages say something about its machines: roughly 66% of the 526 we checked.

What the pages tell a beginner

Many pages list their machines, and many name the brand. Cricut shows up at about 61% of the libraries that list machines. But the rules are thin. Only 23% mention training for any machine, and 38% mention a fee.

So a silent page does not mean there is no class and no cost. It often just means nobody wrote it down.

What educators can add

Put three things next to each machine: the model, whether a class or badge comes first, and what it costs. One short line per machine is enough. It saves a beginner a phone call and makes the first visit less nervous.

How the answers break down

Kinds of machine named

Of the 346 library systems whose pages say.

  • 3d printer69%
  • vinyl cutter68%
  • laser cutter46%
  • sewing machine30%
  • heat press24%
  • embroidery machine19%
  • button maker19%
  • sublimation14%
  • large format printer10%
  • cnc router8%

Brands named

Of the 346 library systems whose pages say.

  • Cricut61%
  • Glowforge25%
  • Bambu Lab22%
  • Brother21%
  • Prusa16%
  • Silhouette10%
  • Epilog10%
  • Singer9%
  • MakerBot8%
  • Janome8%

What to do with this

If you are new, pick the machine you want and look for its line on the library page. If training or cost is not listed, call or ask at the desk before you go, so you know whether to sign up for a class or bring money. If you run a makerspace, check your own page today: does each machine say what it is, whether a class comes first, and what it costs?

What library websites say

Each quote was checked against the live page by hand. The link opens the page at the quote.

  • Charlotte And William Bloomberg Medford Public Library, MA
    Machines: Vinyl cutter: Cricut Maker (training: requires badge); Laser cutter: Glowforge Pro (training: requires badge); Sewing machine: Brother CS7000X x5 (training: requires badge); Sewing machine: Janome 2212 x2 (training: requires badge); 3d printer: MakerBot Sketch x2 (training: requires badge); 3d printer: Dremel DigiLab 3D45 (training: requires staff supervision)
    “Cricut Maker [requires badge]”
    Read it on the library's site
  • Bentonville Public Library, AR
    Machines: 3d printer: Bambu Lab P1S x2 (training: All patrons must go through Intro to 3D Printing before they are permitted to use the 3D printers; fee: $0.10 / gram); Laser cutter: Glowforge Pro x2; Sewing machine: Singer x9 (fee: $2.00 / hour); Sewing machine: Brother x2 (fee: $4.00 / hour); Sewing machine: Pfaff x1 (fee: $4.00 / hour); Embroidery machine: Brother SE 2000 (fee: $2.00 / 10,000 stitches); Embroidery machine: Brother SE 700 (fee: $2.00 / 10,000 stitches); Heat press: Topdeep 5-in-1; Heat press: Cricut; Vinyl cutter: Cricut Maker 3; Vinyl cutter: Brother Scan and Cut; Sublimation: Epson ET 2800
    “Two Bambu Lab P1S 3D printers”
    Read it on the library's site
  • Carroll County District Library, Carrollton, OH
    Machines: 3d printer: unnamed (fee: 20 cents / gram (rounded to the next highest gram) ($1.00 minimum)); Button maker: unnamed (fee: Button sets are available for 50 cents each); Vinyl cutter: Cricut (fee: There is no charge if you provide your own supplies; Regular Paper: 10 cents each; Cardstock Paper: 20 cents each; Envelopes: 5 cents each)
    “Cost: 20 cents / gram (rounded to the next highest gram) ($1.00 minimum)”
    Read it on the library's site
  • Lafayette Public Library, LA
    Machines: Laser cutter: Epilog Zing 24; 3d printer: Lulzbot Taz 5 & 6, Taz Mini; Vinyl cutter: Silhouette Cameo; Sewing machine: Janome; Vinyl cutter: Cricut Maker; Heat press: Geo Knight; 3d printer: Lulzbot Taz Mini 2; 3d printer: Prusa i3 MK3S+; Sewing machine: Janome Schoolmate 7330
    “Laser Cutter: Epilog Zing 24”
    Read it on the library's site
  • Provo City Library, UT
    Machines: Audio studio: unnamed (training: To schedule recording time in the Studio, all users must complete either Introduction to Studio Production or Basic Audio Production (if using sound equipment only); fee: Use of the Studio is free for Provo City cardholders)
    “To schedule recording time in the Studio, all users must complete either Introduction to Studio Production or Basic Audio Production (if using sound equipment only).”
    Read it on the library's site

How this report was made

  • 526 library systems analyzed, from the Find a Makerspace dataset.
  • 346 stated an answer on their own pages (66%); 153 did not state one.
  • 27 excluded because the reviewers could not agree on what the pages say.
  • 97 more could not be read at all (the page had moved or the site blocked the request), so they are not counted.
  • Pages read on October 25, 2026; only the libraries' own websites were used, nothing was inferred.
  • Every answer carries an exact quote, confirmed on the page by software and judged by two independent reviewers.
  • A sample of 15 answers, picked to include the unusual ones, was checked by hand against the libraries' pages on October 25, 2026; all of them matched as written.
  • Only libraries in that verified sample are named above.

Spot an error? Tell us.

Library pages change. If a quote or a number is off, say so and we will fix the report and the map listing.

Ready to try one? This is a good first project.

Look up a machine: who has it and what they ask
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