The Library uses Polylactic Acid (PLA) for all 3D prints. It is a non-toxic, biodegradable plastic. While it is widely used for 3D printing due to its versatility, please note that PLA is not suitable for creating objects that need to withstand significant weight, stress, or heat. It is not recommended for use in creating kitchen utensils and is not dishwasher safe.
Makerspace FAQs
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3D Printing
3D print times depend on the selected size, weight, and layer height in the settings. Larger, denser objects will take longer, and selecting a thinner layer height for improved details will add to the total print time. We allow a maximum weekly print allotment of 12 hours.
Our printers can only print one colour at a time, though files can sometimes be printed separately in different colours and assembled afterwards. Printed pieces can also be painted using acrylic paints (with a primer coat).
We require files in the .stl format, although other formats can sometimes work, such as .obj or .3mf
Not necessarily. Many designs can be found online on sites such as thingiverse.com. Check to see if someone has already made the thing you want to print.
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Adobe Creative Cloud
No, Adobe software is available exclusively on our iMac computers.
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Coil Binder
Clear vinyl covers are available for use with your binding.
The binder can accommodate letter size, A5 and A4 paper.
The binder can punch up to 12 sheets of 80g paper.
The pages depend on what kind of coils are available. There are usually coils that can bind up to 1 inch thick. Supplies can vary. Please check with Staff first to be certain.
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Camera
Remove the SD card from the camera and insert it into the computer's SD card reader. Open your computer's file explorer (Windows File Explorer or Mac Finder). Plug your personal USB flash drive into another available USB port on the computer. Copy and Paste: Select the photos/videos you want to keep, right-click and select Copy, then navigate to your USB drive folder, right-click, and select Paste. Or simply drag the highlighted files.
In some automatic modes, the flash only pops up if the camera detects low light. In the Creative Zone (P, Tv, Av, M), you must manually press the flash button (lightning bolt icon) near the shutter.
Common causes include the lens not being properly attached, the autofocus (AF) system failing to lock onto a subject, or a full/unrecognized memory card.
Align the white square (for EF-S lenses) or the red dot (for EF lenses) on the lens with the corresponding mark on the camera body, then rotate until it clicks.
Both cameras use SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards.
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Cricut
No, while it is widely advertised that a Cricut can make stickers, as our Cricuts are not connected to a printer, this function is not possible. If you are interested in creating stickers, book the vinyl printer at Central Library, Dundas or Valley Park.
It depends. While we have cardstock and vinyl available for purchase, for specific projects or designs, it may be advisable to purchase your own material. Ask Library Staff about your project and they will be able to answer whether you will need to bring in your own material.
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Digitization Software and Creative Suite
We can try to work with other formats. If your device has RCA outputs somewhere (e.g., white, red, and yellow), we may be able to hook it up to our equipment. You’ll need to bring the device with you; we don’t have other machines besides a VHS VCR.
Bring a portable USB stick or hard drive to save your files. Also bring whatever media you want to convert (e.g. VHS tape, photo negatives).
VHS conversion will take as long as your tape runs (e.g. a two-hour tape will take two hours to convert). Saving the content to a USB will be quicker than burning it to a DVD.
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DJ Equipment
There is no cost for using the DDJ-FLX4 controller.
Headphones are provided
Yes. You can log into streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, or SoundCloud within Rekordbox, or bring your own tracks on a USB drive.
No experience is needed. The setup guide walks you through connecting the equipment, configuring audio, and loading your first tracks.
Nothing, the controller, headphones, and cable are all available at the branch. Just ask a Staff member when you arrive.
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Embroidery Machine
We recommend starting with a draft piece of fabric to test your design before embroidering your final project. The Library is not responsible for any damage done to your materials.
Thicker fabrics with little to no stretch tend to work best for embroidery. We recommend using fabrics like canvas, linen, denim, and high-quality cotton. Thin stretchy fabrics will not embroider well and may destroy the fabric.
Images with no shading or overlapping colours are the easiest to digitize. Simple text and single-colour images are the easiest starting point for embroidery.
No. HPL offers a wide assortment of embroidery thread for purchase and use.
Yes, while some branches have scrap material available for use, it is expected that you’ll provide your own material for final projects.
The embroidery machine will provide an estimated completion time. Please note that this time estimate does not include tasks such as changing the thread colour or hooping your fabric.
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GarageBand
Most sound studios will have all the equipment you need but call to confirm which instruments each particular branch may have. All branches have access to an iMac and software, but instruments vary.
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iMovie
Use the Split Clip function by positioning the playhead (the vertical line) and pressing Command + B.
Check your Privacy and Security settings in System Settings. You must manually grant iMovie permission to access your Photos, Microphone, or Camera.
Click the Share button in the top right corner and select File. Choose your settings (Resolution, Quality, etc.) and click Next. A save window will appear. On the left, select your External Drive as the destination, then click Save.
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Knitting Machine
There is no cost for using the knitting machine.
No, while knowledge of knitting may help with the learning process, it is not at all necessary to learn machine knitting.
Yes. While we have some yarn available for practice and to complete personal projects, it is expected that you will bring your own yarn.
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Large Format Printer
Staff are available to support first-time users and by appointment for project-based learning.
Yes. Borderless printing is available, though slight edge cropping may occur.
Low-resolution source files may print poorly at larger sizes. For best results, use high-resolution images or print-ready PDFs.
Use Free Layout Plus tools, such as Auto Arrange, Crop, Resize, and Fit, to optimize paper usage before printing.
Most branches offer matte and satin/semi-gloss roll options through preset printer favourites.
Maximum width depends on the branch printer size (24" or 36"). Length can vary depending on your project.
PDF is strongly recommended for posters, signage, and presentations. JPG also works well for images and artwork.
Large Format Printing costs are based on two factors: ink used + paper length used, so final pricing depends on your specific design, coverage, and print size.
Pricing: Ink: $1.00 per mL
Matte or Satin Paper: $4.00 per foot
Because ink coverage varies (for example, full-colour photo posters cost more than text-heavy designs), Staff typically provide the final total after printing is complete. Unlike many other Makerspace services, exact large-format costs are usually not fully estimable in advance. For oversized, photo-heavy, or long-banner projects, it’s smart to ask Staff for a rough estimate before printing.
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Musical Instruments
Most branches with a Sound Studio will provide everything needed to record and play music. However, musical instruments vary at the branches, so it may be a good idea to call and confirm which instruments are available at a particular branch.
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Photo Studio (PhotoShop)
If panels disappear, go to the top menu and select Window > Workspace > Essentials (Default) to reset the layout to normal.
Where can I learn how to use Photoshop?
Are there other image editing programs available?
Most likely, the layer is "Locked" (look for a padlock icon in the Layers panel) or it's a Smart Object. Right-click the layer name and select Rasterize Layer to make it editable with standard tools.
To keep your layers editable, you must save your work as a PSD (Photoshop Document) or PSB (Large Document Format).
JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, and BMP.
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Photo/Negative/Flat Bed Scanning
The Library's iMacs have photo editing programs, such as Adobe Photoshop. Our scanning software also has basic photo correction tools. Staff can also point Members to tutorials to learn how to use these tools.
The Library’s scanner has mounts for 35mm film, medium-format film, and mounted slides. If you have a different format, you will still be able to scan, but results may vary.
Bring a portable USB stick or hard drive to save your files. You’ll also need to bring whatever medium you wish to convert (e.g., photo files).
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Serger
We recommend starting with a draft piece of fabric to get a feel for the machine and set your tension and stitch settings correctly. The Library is not responsible for any damage done to your materials.
No, supporting non-HPL equipment falls outside the scope of our service.
Yes, for the serger (and the sewing machine) you can bring your own thread to work with.
Yes. While some branches have scrap material available for learning or practicing stitching, it is expected that you bring in your own material for final projects.
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Sewing Machine
We recommend starting with a draft piece of fabric to get a feel for the machine and set your tension and stitch settings correctly. The Library is not responsible for any damage done to your materials.
No, supporting non-HPL equipment falls outside the scope of our service.
Yes, for the sewing machine (and the serger) you can bring your own thread to work with
Yes. While some branches provide scrap material for learning or practicing stitching, it is expected that you bring in your own material for final projects.
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Vinyl Printer/Cutter
Staff are available to support first-time users and by appointment for project-based learning.
Low-resolution source files may print poorly at larger sizes. For best results, use high-resolution images or print-ready PDFs.
Versaworks has a nesting option where the software will arrange the images in the most efficient layout possible for printing. However, the user cannot control how the images will be arranged. If you wish for the print to be laid out in a specific way, it is recommended that this be done with another software before doing the print. Please consult with Staff if you have specific project questions.
Versaworks can cut the vinyl into basic shapes. If the shapes are complex (and these are shapes that are not square or rectangle), Adobe Illustrator is available in the space for this.
In VersaWorks, there is a nesting option. The software will arrange the images in the most efficient layout for printing.
Glossy, matte and clear vinyl are available. We only use the vinyl that we have available. Unfortunately, members cannot bring their own vinyl.
If a member is printing and cutting their design, we recommend that the length be limited between three and four feet. The pull back action of the vinyl printer/cutter when cutting can cause the vinyl to skew when the print is very long. If there is not cutting involved, you do not have to abide by this length limitation.
The size of the vinyl will depend on the size and length of the vinyl. The vinyl is usually between 27 to 29 inches. The length also depends on the supply.
JPG and PDF are the file types that work best with Versaworks. PNG causes errors with the software.
Vinyl Printing costs are based on two factors: ink used + vinyl material used. Vinyl cutting will just be the vinyl material used.
Pricing:
Vinyl Printing and Cutting: Ink- $0.75/ml; Vinyl - $2.50/ft (Central Library) and $2.00/ft (Dundas and Valley Park)
Vinyl Cutting: $1.00/ft