Makerspace

Brambleton Library Makerspace
Gum Spring Library Makerspace
Rust Library Makerspace
Sterling Library Makerspace

Bring your creative ideas to life

LCPL has four makerspaces that are free, hands-on open spaces for community members to create, explore and learn from each other.

Trained staff are available to answer questions and help you use the equipment to accomplish projects such as custom embroidering a towel, recording a podcast, 3D printing a replacement part or engraving a photo onto a gift.

Quick Links

LOCATIONS

Brambleton Library

22850 Brambleton Plaza
Brambleton, VA 20148
571-258-3998

Reserve the Recording Studio.
Appointments are required to use the studio.

Gum Spring Library

24600 Millstream Drive
Aldie, VA 20105
571-258-3838

Rust Library

380 Old Waterford Road NW
Leesburg, VA 20176
703-777-0323

Make an appointment with staff.
Select "Rust Makerspace" from the dropdown menu for help with any equipment. Appointments are not required to use the space.

Sterling Library

22330 S. Sterling Blvd., Suite A117
Sterling, VA 20164
571-258-3309

Make a Glowforge appointment.
Select "Sterling Glowforge" from the dropdown menu to reserve the laser cutter. Appointments are required to use the machine.

EQUIPMENT

The four makerspaces generally have the same equipment and materials, but please call ahead with any questions.

Machines and basic accessories are available for public use at no charge, with the exception of 3D printers. Please refer to our supply cost list to see items typically available for purchase, and prepare to bring your own supplies as needed.

3D Printer

Use the form to submit a 3D print request. Staff will review your design, provide a cost estimate and print it for you within a given timeframe. The charge is by weight: 10 cents per gram.

Customers are welcome to watch the printers in action, but please note they are for staff use only.

Laser cutter/engraver

Cut, engrave and score various materials using the Glowforge 40 watt CO2 machine.

Recording Equipment

Brambleton

Offers a soundproof studio with professional-grade recording/editing software and equipment.

Sterling

Offers a small sound booth with audio recording/editing software and microphone.

Silhouette Cameo Cutter

Cut vinyl and other thin materials to make designs that can be applied to a variety of projects.

Mats and accessories available for public use. Vinyl available for purchase.

Sublimation Printer

Print designs to transfer onto various materials.

$2 per print. Mugs also available for purchase. Otherwise, please bring your own sublimation-ready items.

Heat Press

Permanently adhere heat transfer vinyl and sublimation prints to customize items.

Sewing, Embroidery and Serger

Make, mend and customize a variety of fabrics.

Machines, thread and stabilizer available for public use.

Read about our embroidery machines.

Digitization Equipment

Convert legacy formats to modern files to preserve your memories.

VHS-to-DVD, photo scanning and more available.

Miscellaneous

  • Coding and robotics: Makey Makey, Little Bits, Spheros, Ozobots, Arduino, Raspberry Pi
  • Large-scale laminator
  • Ellison die cutter
  • Button maker
  • Microscopes (Rust)

EXPECTATIONS

By using a Makerspace, you agree to the following rules. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in the revocation of access to Loudoun County Public Library’s Makerspaces.

  • Children age 12 and younger must be directly supervised by a parent or guardian.
  • Equipment must be used in a safe and proper manner. You assume responsibility for the cost of repairing or replacing equipment damaged by improper use.
  • Ask staff if you need assistance.
  • You must maintain a safe workspace by keeping it free of debris and clutter.
  • You must immediately alert staff to accidents, injuries and/or damaged or unsafe equipment.
  • LCPL reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to refuse or halt the production of any content. The following types of content will not be produced, including but not limited to:
    – Content that poses a threat to the safety or well-being of others;
    – Components or replicas of weapons, whether functional, non-functional, or intended as props or toys;
    – Content that violates LCPL policies;
    – Content that is prohibited by local, state, or federal law; or 
    – Content that infringes upon the intellectual property rights of others.
  • You agree to pay any applicable fees for materials. Loudoun County Public Library is not responsible for any defects regardless of their cause. This includes, but is not limited to, defects caused by user error or improper use of materials and equipment.