Union County Library is proud to offer makerspace areas for you to explore, create, and learn in our STEAM Labs!

When visiting a library location, you can spot our STEAM Lab by finding this sign! STEAM Labs are open during normal library hours excluding scheduled programming or visits.

• Main Library in Monroe
• Southwest Library in Waxhaw

Explore our STEAM Labs.

Appointment Policy

STEAM appointments are primarily available for patrons ages 13 and up.

Appointment requests must be submitted at least two weeks in advance of the preferred date to ensure that tools and technologies are fully operational.

Each STEAM appointment is limited to one tool or technology and corresponding project curated by Library staff. Appointments in the STEAM Lab are intended primarily for exploration, learning, and skill development—not for mass production.

Orientation appointments are required for the use of certain STEAM Lab makerspace tools and technologies.

One appointment can be requested per month. 

Appointments can be requested up to 30 days in advance through the Library’s online booking system, by phone, or in person at a Library location.

All appointment services are available to Library cardholders in good standing.

Failure to cancel or show up for scheduled appointments will result in temporary suspension of booking privileges. Patrons arriving 15 minutes or more late to their designated appointment time will forfeit the appointment and have the opportunity to reschedule. Late arrivals do not receive extensions to appointment time blocks.

Appointment Expectations

Patrons should not expect to create a project of their choosing during an orientation or for staff to complete or produce projects on their behalf. The STEAM Lab is a self‑directed space, and orientation sessions are designed for learning—not project fulfillment.

Appointments are required for independent use of certain equipment and require approval from Library staff based on an evaluation at the end of each appointment.   

Coming Soon - Book Your Appointment

Approved Materials for Patron Purchase

3D Printing – PLA Filament $1.00/hour
Sublimation Printer Paper, 8.5” x 11” sheet $1.00/sheet
Sublimation Printer Paper, 11” x 17” sheet $1.75/sheet
Card Stock, Plain, 8.5" x 11" or 12” x 12” sheet $0.50/sheet
Card Stock, Patterned, 8.5" x 11" or 12” x 12” sheet $0.75/sheet
Standard Adhesive (Sticker) Paper, 8.5” x 11” sheet $1.00/sheet
Vinyl Adhesive (Sticker) Paper, 8.5” x 11” sheet $1.25/sheet
Holographic Adhesive (Sticker) Paper, 8.5” x 11” sheet $1.50/sheet
Vinyl, standard adhesive, per 12” x 12” sheet $2.00/sheet
Vinyl, specialty or premium, per 12” x 12’ sheet $3.00/sheet
Vinyl, heat transfer, per 12” x 12” sheet $2.50/sheet
Vinyl, Outdoor adhesive, per 12” x 12” sheet $3.00/foot
Birch Wood/Acrylic 12” x 12” sheet $3.00/sheet
Birch Wood/Acrylic 12” x 20” sheet $6.00/sheet

Additional maker materials may be available for purchase at cost while supplies last.

Costs of materials may change depending on market rates.

Sublimation and laser engraving blanks costs may vary based upon materials available for sale at any given time.

Submit Your 3D Print Coming Soon 

STEAM Lab Policy

Read the PDF here.

Library Mission

The mission of the Union County Library is to inspire our residents to explore, create, and learn.

Library Vision

Union County Library will be at the heart of our community's educational and cultural interests by enriching the lives of all people through diverse services and innovative programming.

Purpose

The STEAM Lab Policy outlines the Union County Library’s selection, access, and use of makerspace tools, technology, and resources to foster creativity, learning, and innovation within our community.

Accessibility

The Union County Library STEAM Lab and supplemental services are available to all ages. If a patron needs additional considerations to make the STEAM Lab accessible, they should contact the STEAM Services Department.

The STEAM Lab is a self-directed area, with the expectation users will complete designs and projects mostly on their own, following initial guidance and information from Library staff on the capabilities, safety, and basic operation of makerspace tools and technology. Staff may not be experts on the use or operation of everything available in the STEAM Lab. One-on-one orientation appointments can be made with Library staff to learn more in-depth use of tools, technology, and materials. The Library does not guarantee the availability of any tool, technology, or material in the STEAM Lab.

The STEAM Lab opens one hour after opening and closes one hour before the Library closes. Projects, print jobs, etc. cannot be left running or suspended while the Library is closed. The Library assumes no responsibility for projects unable to be completed within this time frame.

General Rules of Use

Use of the STEAM Lab is subject to the rules in this policy, the Safe Environment Policy, Computer Use Policy, Appointment Policy as well as any other applicable Library policies and procedures. Failure to abide by all applicable policies and procedures may result in suspension or loss of STEAM Lab use privileges.

Independent use of the STEAM Lab during available hours is open to patrons ages 13 and up.Patrons under age 13 must be accompanied by an adult.

The tools within the STEAM Lab are to assist with creating high-quality products, but the Library cannot guarantee the ability to produce every project or that the project will meet the desired level of quality due to the nature of the makerspace environment and the variability in individual production processes. Library staff are not liable for success or failure of projects.

The computers located in the STEAM Lab are intended for patrons utilizing specialized makerspace software programs or equipment. The Library reserves the right to reassign patrons to other computers in the Library if they are not utilizing STEAM Lab computers for their intended purpose.

No food of any kind is permitted in the STEAM Lab although drinks with a lid are allowed.

The STEAM Lab does not have any short or long-term storage. Patrons must take projects and materials with them when they leave. Materials or projects abandoned may be disposed of as Library staff deems appropriate.

Library patrons are responsible for cleaning their workspace after use and properly powering down tools and technology along with promptly reporting malfunctioning or broken items.

Tool and Technology Use

To use certain tools and technology, you must have a Union County Library card in good standing. These items must be checked out for in-Lab use, unless otherwise noted. Certain tools and technology may only be available for use during a STEAM appointment with staff assistance.

First-time users must complete a basic first-time user orientation appointment for certain tools and technology. Reservations for independent use of tools and technology can be requested after completion of the first-time user appointment. Library staff retain the right to require Library patrons to have further training on tools and technology before independent use is permitted.

Reservations of any STEAM Lab tool or technology are limited to three hours per day. The Library reserves the right to extend or reduce session length and frequency during peak seasons to have quality programs and equitable access for all interested organizations. Patrons are required to check-in with Library staff prior to checking out and using designated tools and technology in the STEAM Lab.

STEAM tools and technology may only be used within the Lab by patrons and should not leave the space outside of organized Library events and activities.

The Library performs and maintains a regular maintenance schedule for makerspace tools and technology. Some tools and technology may not be available during maintenance periods.

If any makerspace tool, technology, or material malfunctions or breaks, please alert Library staff immediately. Patrons may be responsible for replacement costs for damage incurred to equipment or the physical space due to negligent usage or intentional misuse.

Limitations On Use

The STEAM Lab is designed primarily as a space for exploration, learning, and skill development, not as a mass production space. While the Library encourages creativity and project completion, users requiring high-volume or commercial-scale production should seek appropriate commercial facilities or services. Resources are intended to foster innovation and education within reasonable usage limits.

STEAM Lab tools and technology, including, but not limited to, 3D printers, craft and cutting machines, lasers, etc. may be used for lawful purposes only. Patrons are not permitted to use the Makerspace equipment for projects or to produce materials that:

1. Violate local, state, or federal laws or regulations;
2. Look like, function as, or appear to function as weapons, knives, or parts thereof;
3. Appear unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or that otherwise pose a threat to the health or safety of others;
4. May be construed as obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment; or
5. Potentially violate the intellectual property rights of another.

Library patrons who use the Library’s STEAM Lab agree to respect all applicable copyright laws and licensing agreements. The Library is not responsible for determining copyright status of designs and projects.

The Library reserves the right to refuse or limit the use of any makerspace tool, technology,material, or service, and may decline to produce projects that violate this or any other applicable library policy, or that could expose the Library or its staff to legal liability.

3D Printing

Library staff have the sole discretion to determine the order in which 3D models are printed following Library procedures. Patrons are limited to one 3D print at a time and must pick up their completed print before submission of further prints. If a 3D model consists of multiple separate parts, each part will constitute a single item. Because of limited staff and hardware resources, Library staff cannot guarantee completion times. Library staff will contact patrons when printing is complete, and patrons must pick up completed models within two weeks of completion. Library staff may dispose of 3D models not picked up within two weeks of completion in any manner it deems appropriate.

The cost for 3D printing is based on the time spent printing the design, which is determined after printing is complete. All 3D models must be paid for in full before being released to patrons. The cost of 3D models not paid for and collected within two weeks following completion of the print may be charged as a fee against the patron’s library card.

Because of inherent limitations with tools, the Library does not guarantee that any 3D model will print successfully. If a print fails due to Library staff error or hardware failure, the Library will attempt to reprint the object, and the patron will not be charged for the failed attempt. The Library may refuse to reprint the object after two unsuccessful attempts.

The Library may refuse to print 3D models that clearly contain errors or that are, as determined by Library staff, beyond the capabilities of the Library’s tools. Library staff have sole discretion to make slight alterations such as adding supports to patrons’ designs in an attempt to make them printable, but the Library does not guarantee that they will print successfully.

The Library provides 3D printing to the community with PLA filament only.
Materials and Supplies Materials for Library events and activities are supplied for attendees. Library patrons are required to provide any materials needed for their individual usage of makerspace tools and technology.

 Materials and Supplies

Patrons can purchase pre-approved materials on their own or purchase materials from the Library.

The Library maintains a limited inventory of materials for use in the STEAM Lab and cannot guarantee the availability of materials at any time. These materials are provided for patrons to purchase for a fee. Library patrons are responsible for paying for materials even if the project attempted fails or does not complete. Material fees shall be posted and available from any Library staff member.

The Library reserves the right to limit materials used with tools and technology as needed to ensure the safety of both staff and community members. A list of materials deemed unsuitable for use in the STEAM Lab can be found on the Library’s website. The Library reserves the right to charge a fee for any materials or tools modified, damaged, or otherwise rendered inoperable.

Fee Schedule

3D Printing – PLA Filament $1.00/hour
Sublimation Printer Paper, 8.5” x 11” sheet $1.00/sheet
Sublimation Printer Paper, 11” x 17” sheet $1.75/sheet
Card Stock, Plain, 8.5" x 11" or 12” x 12” sheet $0.50/sheet
Card Stock, Patterned, 8.5" x 11" or 12” x 12” sheet $0.75/sheet
Standard Adhesive (Sticker) Paper, 8.5” x 11” sheet $1.00/sheet
Vinyl Adhesive (Sticker) Paper, 8.5” x 11” sheet $1.25/sheet
Holographic Adhesive (Sticker) Paper, 8.5” x 11” sheet $1.50/sheet
Vinyl, standard adhesive, per 12” x 12” sheet $2.00/sheet
Vinyl, specialty or premium, per 12” x 12’ sheet $3.00/sheet
Vinyl, heat transfer, per 12” x 12” sheet $2.50/sheet
Vinyl, Outdoor adhesive, per 12” x 12” sheet $3.00/foot
Birch Wood/Acrylic 12” x 12” sheet $3.00/sheet
Birch Wood/Acrylic 12” x 20” sheet $6.00/sheet

Additional maker materials may be available for purchase at cost while supplies last.

Costs of materials may change depending on market rates.

Sublimation and laser engraving blanks costs may vary based upon materials available for sale at any given time.

Users may provide their own materials approved by the Library in lieu of purchasing materials from the Library.

Selection & De-Selection of Tools, Technology, and Materials

The Library uses a variety of professional journals, vendor catalogs, and digital resources offering reviews and recommendations to select tools, technology, and materials for the STEAM Lab. Some of the sources used for the selection process include Maker Ed, Harvard Business Review, MIT Technology Review, and Library Makers. The Library chooses the most appropriate vendor(s) based on criteria such as discount, availability, vendor services, reliability, and speed
of delivery.

The Library uses the following criteria to select makerspace tools, technology, and materials:

• Availability of similar resources in the community
• Demonstrated or anticipated community interest
• Cost-effectiveness, user-friendliness, and appropriate format
• Positive professional reviews or industry recognition
• Suitability within existing space and infrastructure
• Durability, sustainability, and production quality
• Relevance and currency of the technology

De-selection entails the same care and thought as materials selection. Tools, technology, and materials withdrawn from the makerspace remain property of Union County. Items are typically withdrawn from a collection for the following reasons:

• Obsolescence or lack of manufacturer support
• Frequent malfunction or irreparable condition
• Consistently low or no usage
• Redundancy or space constraints
• Safety concerns or failure to meet current standards
• High maintenance costs with limited benefit
• Misalignment with current strategic initiatives, programming, or user needs
• Availability of improved alternatives
• Lack of sustainability for long-term use

Items identified through regular evaluation may be retired, repurposed, or replaced at staff discretion.

Donations

The Library STEAM Lab welcomes donations of tools and materials. Items donated are subject to the same criteria for selection and removal as other items. In order to be eligible for acceptance, the donation must meet the general selection criteria for other tools and materials and be established by the donor directly. A librarian must approve all tool donations in advance of their delivery to the Library. The Library does not accept technology subscription or software donations. The Library does not provide special shelving or separate location for donation items. Donation items are subject to the same de-selection criteria as purchased items and are not retained indefinitely.

Safety

Library patrons must follow all posted STEAM Lab safety guidelines and Library staff instructions. Tools and technology should be used in accordance with their intended purpose and only if patrons have received proper training or guidance. Patrons should not modify or tamper with the equipment or technology without Library staff’s approval. If patrons are unsure about how to operate a particular tool or technology, they should seek assistance from a knowledgeable Library staff member.

Some of the equipment located in the STEAM Lab may contain aspects, parts, or components that may cause injury to the user if all rules, policies, and procedures are not followed. Applicable safety supplies will be available in the STEAM Lab to be used as directed. Any accident or injury that occurs in the STEAM Lab must be reported to a staff member.

Policy Violations

A patron’s failure to comply with these guidelines may result in the patron being asked to leave the STEAM Lab for the day or longer and/or losing makerspace privileges.