Looking to try a new craft? Want to borrow a sewing machine? Have a great idea for a gift but not sure how to make it? Marion Makes at the Elizabeth Taber Library can be your starting point.

The Elizabeth Taber Library is committed to providing a welcoming space for education, entertainment, and exploration for all.  By providing a robust makerspace for our community we aim to further our mission of connecting our patrons to tools and resources for enriching themselves and the Marion community through guided workshops and independent creative exploration opportunities.

Users are expected to read the makerspace policy and must sign a waiver before using the equipment. Certain machines require additional certification. Certification can be obtained by viewing certification videos link below.

Materials

A white Ultimaker 3D printer with a transparent front panel, dual extrusion system, and a digital display screen on the lower front, shown on a plain white background.

3-D PRINTER

Submit a request for a 3-D print on our Ultimaker 3 printer using PLA filament. Prints cost $1 per hour and are limited to six hours. Requests may be made in person at the library or emailed to etlibrary@sailsinc.org. Filament colors may be limited.

Submit a 3D Printing Request
A hand uses a teal and orange 3D printing pen to draw shapes with yellow filament on a gridded template sheet, including a wheel and a triangle.
A hand uses a black 3Doodler Flow 3D printing pen with orange filament to draw a butterfly wing. The product box, featuring the pen and a butterfly illustration, stands nearby.

3-D PENS

Use filament to create 3D designs all at the touch of a button. We have 3doodler Start pens designed for use by ages 6+ for in-library use and check out. We also have 3doodler Flow pens for ages 14+ for in-library use and circulation. Some filament is provided. 

A metal button maker machine with a red handle, black base, and silver pressing components, used for assembling custom buttons.

BUTTON MACHINE

Make 1.5 inch buttons with our all metal button machine. Use the button maker at the Library for only the cost of button supplies. For mass quantity button production contact the library regarding pricing.

A blue Cover One book binding machine by Demco, featuring a metal clamp in the middle, control buttons on the left, and an on/off switch on the front right corner.

COVER ONE MACHINE

Book repair and book binding made easy! Contact the library for pricing regarding book binding and book repair projects. 

A beige electronic cutting machine with an open lid, revealing its interior blade and tool holder, designed for crafting and DIY projects.

The Cricut Maker 4

Is available for in library use and can cut on a 12×12 surface with a cutting mat or larger using Cricut smart materials. We have a limited selection of paper, cardstock, permanent vinyl, and heat transfer vinyl to use with this machine. You may also bring your own materials. We have a knife blade, scoring tool, pens, and a rotary blade to use with this machine. Use of this machine requires certification.

View Cricut Maker 4 Certification Video
A Cricut Joy cutting machine with a white and teal design, shown from the front with its cutting mechanism visible inside.

The Cricut Joy

Circulates for 2 weeks and includes a 5×12 cutting mat, a card mat, and cricut tools all in a handy carrying case. The Cricut Joy can be checked out for two weeks must be returned to the front desk of the library.

A light blue Cricut EasyPress machine sits on a gray heat-resistant mat with a red Cricut tag. The device has a handle and control buttons on top.

Cricut Easy Press

Heats and presses a 9×9 in square surface. Use heat transfer vinyl or sublimation products to create t-shirts, coasters, and more. Use of this machine requires certification.

View Heat Press Certification Video
A white Cricut mug press machine with a handle, shown with a white mug inside. The machine has a clean, modern design and cricut branding on the side.

Cricut Mug Press

Can be used to create custom sublimation mugs. You must have 10, 12, or 15 oz mugs treated with a sublimation coating. Use of this machine requires certification.

View Heat Press Certification Video
A compact Cricut heat press with a light blue handle sits in a black base, next to a round, dark gray pressing cushion.

Cricut Hat Press

Make custom hats with vinyl or sublimation. This press includes a hat form to help keep the shape of the hat. Use of this machine requires certification.

View Heat Press Certification Video
A green and white Cuttlebug die-cutting and embossing machine with a handle, shown with yellow plates and flower-shaped dies inside.

CUTTLEBUG EMBOSSER AND DIE CUT

Interested in cutting, but don’t want to learn the software to use the Cricut? Our Cuttlebug Embosser and Die cut machine is perfect for small size cuts of limited designs. This tool is available for in-library use.

A computerized embroidery machine with a digital display and controls, stitching a colorful floral pattern onto a piece of white fabric held in an embroidery hoop. The machine is white with a light purple top.

EMBROIDERY MACHINE

Our Brother PE900 Embroidery Machine can embroider a 5×7 area and features 193 built in designs including 13 fonts, plus the option to upload and use your own embroidery design files wirelessly or via USB. This machine is available for in-library use. Use of this machine requires certification.

View Embroidery Machine Certification Video
Top view of a Glowforge laser cutter with an orange-tinted lid, white frame, and a central Glowforge logo inside the lid.

LASER CUTTER

Our Glowforge Aura craft laser equipped with a 10w diode laser. Cut and engrave acrylic, plywood, hardwood, leather, and more. This machine is for fabrication purposes only. Submit a laser cutting request and pay only the cost of the material (25 cents per square inch). Limited to 3 total hours cutting and engraving time. Requests may be made in person at the library or emailed to etlibrary@sailsinc.org. Materials may be limited.

Submit a Laser Cutting or Engraving Request
A white Brother GX37 sewing machine with a blue and white stitch selection panel and a numbered dial on the front.

SEWING MACHINES

We have two Brother GX37 sewing machines. One for circulation and one for in-library use. Our circulating sewing machines include (contents) and can be borrowed for a period of (2 weeks). The sewing machine must be returned to the front desk of the library. Use of this machine requires certification.

View Sewing Machine Certification Video

SUPPLY PANTRY

In addition to our makerspace tools, we have a variety of maker supplies including but not limited to knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn, hot glue guns, popsicle sticks, jewelry and beading supplies, air dry clay, paint, paintbrushes, origami paper, construction paper, Exacto knives, paper punches, and so much more! Patrons can use these supplies at reasonable levels with no charge during open maker hours. Staff reserve the right to determine if supply use exceeds acceptable limits.

Programs

We offer three types of Marion Makes programs. Programs may be reserved to a specific age group or require registration to attend. Check out our event calendar for the most up to date information.

  • Open maker hours: These are an opportunity to come in, learn about our tools, check out our supplies, and freely create. Staff will be able to answer questions and provide assistance, but will not have a planned project.
  • Staff-led projects: These programs will have an end product in mind and may use one or more maker tools. Participants may not always be able to take their project home on the day of the program if they require additional fabrication by staff. These programs may be open to all ages or designed for a specific age group. 
  • Basics: These programs focus on teaching you the basic skills needed to begin creating with a specific tool. While we may make a product – the focus will be on developing the skills needed to use these tools independently.