Forge Makerspace

Forge Makerspace filled with different patrons

Welcome to Forge!

The Forge makerspace is a place for you to build, invent, tinker, learn and create. No matter your skill set, Forge will support your creative process, expand your mind, allow you to explore new technologies and discover do-it-yourself solutions.

Forge is open during library hours. Check out our equipment and craft kit page to see all the amazing things in our makerspace!

If assistance is needed please call ahead at (847) 438-3433, email us at forge@eapl.org, or set up a 1-1 Appointment with our Forge staff.

Please check out our updated Material Price Guide and Equipment Procedures as they have changed recently.

Ela Library card holders also have access to thousands of art & craft video classes taught by experts and artists via Creativebug and our large collection of Library of Things items for checkout.

Forge Equipment

Forge FAQs

Forge is available for use any time the library is open unless there is an event.

Most equipment in Forge is available on a drop-in basis and can be reserved with guided help with a One-on-One Appointment. Certain equipment has proficiency requirements or can only be used by staff members or during a library program.

Visit the Forge Equipment page for tutorials, guides, and details.

Ela Public Library's Forge makerspace equipment is free to use. If interested in getting a project started during your visit, Forge has a limited Material List with pricing below.

Price list:

3D printing

  • $.10 per gram.

Laminator

  • 8x11" Clear Thermal laminating pouch (3mil) - $1.00 

Glowforge Laser Cutter 

  • 8x12" Clear Acrylic sheet (1/8) - COMING SOON!
  • 12x12" Basswood sheet (1/8) - $3.00
  • 4x4" Ceramic Tile - $1.00 

You can pay for these materials with cash.

EAPL's Forge makerspace is for children 6 years and older with a parent or guardian present. Forge contains equipment that can be dangerous if not operated properly. Patrons younger than middle school age must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver as stated in our Unsupervised Children Policy.

Yes, we encourage bringing in your own materials, but all materials not provided by the library must be approved by a librarian or Forge staff.

If you are unsure on what you can bring in please feel free to email us at forge@eapl.org. We are always happy to help.

If you are not already comfortable with a sewing machine, please attend one of the library's programs on sewing or request an appointment.

If you are comfortable with a machine, you can use one anytime the space is open. 

Unless there is a library program, Forge is an open space for everyone and cannot be reserved.

If you would like to use the space with a group of more than five people, please contact us.

Yes, Forge has safety regulations. Equipment that can be hot will need a staff member to access and equipment with special safety procedures will require an appointment for usage. Always feel free to contact us with any questions at forge@eapl.org.

To use the laser cutter machine, you must make an appointment with a staff member. Submit a Laser Cutter Appointment.

If you are unsure about whether the equipment you want to use has certification requirements, please contact us.