Innovators’ Workshop

Innovators’ Workshop

Simsbury Public Library embraced the Maker movement in 2014 with the launch of our Innovators’ Workshop and 3D printing lab. Since that time, we’ve added other equipment to our Makerspace, including a laser cutter, Cricut machines, sewing machines, and embroidery machines, providing greater opportunities for people to gain knowledge through hands-on learning and to become creators and innovators. Simsbury is home to curious, voracious life-long learners. Developing this new space brings all of our equipment together in a collaborative environment. This project was funded by the generous bequest of Jewel Gutman and a grant from the Wagner Family through the Investor Angels of the Friends of the Simsbury Public Library.

How do I get started?

Sign up to take one of our introductory sessions (see Library event calendar). Please make sure you have a signed Innovator’s Workshop Liability Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement form. Interested teens can also get involved and must have a with an Innovators’ Workshop Minor Liability Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement form signed by a parent.

Once you’ve successfully completed an introductory session, we’ll certify you to use the equipment and you can reserve time for your own projects.

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What happens in the Innovators’ Workshop? Many things! Students learn how to think creatively and critically. People of all ages create computerized designs and print them on the 3D printer or use our Cricut machine to create fanciful cards or projects. The use of the space is limited only by your imagination. What will you make? Read more about the Innovators’ Workshop in our policy statement.

What tools and equipment are available?

  • 2 Dremel 3D printers
  • Cricut Maker
  • Cricut Die Cutter
  • Cricut Easy Press 2
  • Cricut Mug Press
  • 1 Embroidery machine
  • 10 Sewing machines
  • Laser cutter
  • Green Screens
  • Virtual Reality
  • Jewelry cart
  • Logan Mat Cutter
  • Logan Circular Mat Cutter
  • As well as a button maker, scissors and cutters, screwdrivers, soldering irons, and more.
  • We also have Snap and Squishy circuits, and Makey Makey components to work with.

We accept the following “like-new” items for donation:  paper plates, paper lunch bags, duct tape, scissors, crayons, colored pencils, stickers, school glue, unopened glue sticks, markers, embroidery floss, elastic stretchy string, beading wire, beads, jumprings, clasps, pins (any kind), spacer beads, beads, charms pendants, sewing supplies (cloth, thread, scissors), and jewelry making supplies.  We accept additional items on an as-needed basis.

Interested in learning what we have?

Workshop Hours:

  • Monday 9:30-7:30 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30-7:30 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30-7:30 pm
  • Thursday 9:30-7:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30-4:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30-4:30 pm
  • Sunday 1:00-4:30 pm

The Dremel 3D printer may be used on a first-come, first-served basis. Please let the staff at the Information Desk know you have arrived for your reservation. Prints should be limited to 2 hours or less. For longer prints, please notify the staff at the Information Desk for approval. All prints need to finish by 9:30am the next day. All colors are subject to availability, we do not change out the color for specific projects.

Reserve the 3D printer button
Reserve the Cricut Maker button

Initial funding for the Innovators’ Workshop was provided by the Kelly Family in memory of Eunice Kelly, Simsbury Bank, Simsbury-Granby Rotary, and the Law offices of Francis, O’Neill and Del Piano.