FFL Fab Lab & Creation Lab FAQs

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1. Can we schedule a visit/tour?

Currently, our Fab Lab is not open for tours due to renovation.

However, please contact Executive Director Susan Considine to schedule an FFL Innovation Tour, which includes a tour of our Digital Creation Lab. Please email sconsidine@fflib.org, or call (315) 637-6374 X307.

2. What "maker" opportunities do you have available at the FFL?

Many of our current maker opportunities take place in our Digital Creation Lab, or are “space free.”  Examples include:

  • Borrow-a-Bot programs – one-on-one sessions with librarian, where patrons become "3D Printer Certified"
  • BristleBot programs – participants learn to make robots out of toothbrushes
  • Creation Club – an afterschool club focusing on using digital creation technologies to make videos, podcasts, and more
  • First Lego League – an international competitive LEGO Robotics team for 9-14 year olds that involves programming LEGO robots, completing a public service research project, and learning teamwork and cooperation
  • Mission: Lego – introductory LEGO Robotics programs; students program robots to perform specific missions
  • Pinterest Craft Club – craft programs for adults based on upcycling projects found on Pinterest
  • STEAMpunk Club – part reading club and part science club; teens discuss steampunk books and engage in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) experiments relating to the books
  • Take Apart Tuesdays – patrons take apart donated electronics, to see how they work
  • See photos of our maker programs

3. What technologies are available?

We provide access to the following 3D printers:

4. What policies do you have associated with your 3D printers?

  • Patrons must be "3D Printer Certified" before they are allowed to use the 3D printers independently. They must attend a one-on-one training session with a librarian in order to become "3D Printer Certified."
  • We then put a note and sticker on the patron's library card indicating as much.
  • They can then "check out" use of the Creation Lab, which houses the 3D printer, for 2 hours. The time can be extended if no one is waiting.

5. What costs are associated with your maker technologies?

Please refer to the following vendors for accurate, current, up-to-date pricing and information:

Our current fee policy is based on time elapsed for each print job, and is modeled after our paper printing. This is not intended to generate revenue, only to offset cost of the plastic. Our policy is:

  • The first 30 minutes of printing are free. We charge 5 cents/minute after that.

6. What about the liability issues?

Check with your building insurance representative about the new service for any local requirements or code compliance issues.

At FFL, patrons must be "3D Printer Certified" in order to use equipment on their own. In order to become 3D Printer Certified, they must attend a one-on-one training session with a librarian where they are trained on 3D printer safety.

7. Is the FFL available to speak on this topic?

Please contact Sue Considine, FFL Executive Director at sconsidine@fflib.org or 315-637-6374 X307 to discuss and arrange.

8. What are other libraries doing?

While we are first library to provide public access to 3D printing technologies, other libraries are also now offering access to maker technologies. Such libraries include:

9. Other questions?

Read more about our maker programs and services:

  • Library Journal: "Made in a Library" webinar
  • Eagle News: "Fayetteville Free Library unveils creation lab as part of larger renovation"
  • Syracuse.com: "Fayetteville Library offers cutting-edge technology for patrons"
  • Mind/shift: "The Public Library, Completely Reimagined"
  • Forbes: "First Public Library to Create a Maker Space"

Still have questions? Please contact Sue Considine, FFL Executive Director at sconsidine@fflib.org or 315-637-6374 X307.