Winnetka Library Space & Safety Enhancements

From May 27–June 13 the Youth Services Department will be closed while we replace the flooring and relocate the service desk.

A temporary play area with limited toys and books will be available in the Lloyd Room. For the full library experience—events, collection browsing, and a larger play area—patrons are encouraged to visit our Northfield location.

The Studio

Welcome to The Studio, Winnetka Library’s Makerspace

The Studio is a creative hub where you can explore, design, and bring your ideas to life. Whether you're crafting, 3D printing, cutting with a Cricut, or experimenting with new technology, we have the tools and space to support your creativity. Stop by, get inspired, and start creating.

Using The Studio

The Studio is designed for ages 11 and up. Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

Appointments

We recommend making an appointment if you’d like dedicated, one-on-one assistance from one of our Studio specialists. They can help you learn how to use equipment, troubleshoot projects, or bring your creative ideas to life.

Drop In

Feel free to drop in during any of our open hours! However, please note that assistance is not guaranteed without an appointment. We’ll do our best to help as availability allows.

Workshops

Explore a variety of creative skills with guided instruction. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your techniques, our workshops offer step-by-step guidance and plenty of inspiration. Check our schedule and reserve your spot today!

If you have any questions about using The Studio, please contact studio@wnpld.org or contact The Studio at 847-446-7220.

Hours

Monday9am – 9pmOpen
Tuesday9am – 9pmOpen
Wednesday9am – 9pmOpen
Thursday

9am – 1pm

1pm – 3pm

3pm – 5pm

5pm – 9pm

Open

The Studio is Closed

Drop-In Tech Help Only

Open

Friday9am – 5pmOpen
Saturday9am – 5pmOpen
Sunday1pm – 5pmOpen

What Will You Make? Project Ideas for The Studio

With the tools available in The Studio, the possibilities are endless! Here are some inspiring project ideas based on each tool:

Embroidery Machine: Personalize clothing, tote bags, and patches, or create embroidered gifts like napkins, pillowcases, and wall art.

Laser Cutter: Engrave custom signs, jewelry, coasters, and home decor, or cut wood/acrylic for 3D models like mini furniture or displays.

Cricut Machine: Create custom stickers, decals, storage labels, heat-transfer designs for fabric, and wall art with our vinyl cutter, or cut paper for cards, scrapbooks, stencils, gift boxes, and materials like fabric, leather, and wood for home decor.

3D Printer: Print game pieces, phone stands, cable organizers, replacement parts for household items, custom keychains, cookie cutters, and mini prototypes.

Sewing Machine: Create custom clothing, tote bags, pillow covers, fabric bookmarks, or upcycle old clothes into something new.

Sublimation Printer: Transfer custom designs onto mugs, t-shirts, hoodies, hats, tote bags, phone cases, pillowcases, mousepads, coasters, keychains, ornaments, and more.

Equipment

Desktop Mac computer

Edit, design, and digitize with our Mac mini, equipped with Adobe Creative Cloud and a scanner for photos, slides, and film. Convert VHS tapes to MP4 files for easy storage and sharing.

Reserve Equipment
Cricut Venture Vinyl Cutter

This versatile cutting machine is perfect for paper crafting, vinyl projects, and more. Cut larger projects with ease, including materials up to 25” wide.

Reserve Equipment
Embroidery Machine needle

Easily add custom embroidery to fabric with pre-programmed fonts and designs. The Studio also offers software to convert your own designs into embroidery-ready files.

Reserve Equipment
Epilog Mini 24 Laser Cutter

Engrave custom designs on wood, acrylic, leather, and more with our Epilog laser engraver. A rotary attachment allows engraving on cylindrical objects like glassware and mugs.

Reserve Equipment
Epilog Fusion Maker Laser Cutter

Engrave custom designs on wood, acrylic, genuine leather, and more with our Epilog laser engraver. A rotary attachment allows engraving on cylindrical objects like glassware and mugs.

Reserve Equipment
A piece of fabric being sewn in a sewing machine.

Bring your fabric creations to life with our sewing machine, perfect for everything from simple repairs to detailed garment construction.

Reserve Equipment
vinyl cutter machine

A vinyl cutter lets you create precise, custom designs for decals, labels, signs, and heat transfers. It's perfect for crafting, home décor, and personalized projects.

Reserve Equipment
Sawgrass 500 Sublimation Printer

Bring your designs to life with vibrant, long-lasting color using heat transfer sublimation printing. Create custom apparel, mugs, phone cases, and more with specialty ink and materials for durable, vivid results.

Reserve Equipment
Bambu X1C 3D Printer

3D Printer

3D print game pieces, phone stands, cable organizers, replacement parts for household items, custom keychains, cookie cutters, and mini prototypes.

Submit a 3D Print File

Makerspace Guidelines

To ensure a great experience for all, please follow these guidelines:

  • Self-Guided Creativity – The Studio is a makerspace for independent exploration and hands-on learning.
  • Ask for Help – Studio Staff are here to support your learning—don’t hesitate to ask questions!
  • Plan Your Visit – The Studio is open to ages 11+ (under 11 with an adult)—book a one-on-one, drop in, or join a workshop; check our calendar.
  • Program Closures – The Studio is closed during scheduled programs.
  • Material Costs – Some materials provided by The Studio may have a fee. Ask staff if you're unsure.
  • Respect the Space – Clean and organize your station when finished so others can enjoy a tidy workspace.
  • Stay with Your Project – Keep an eye on your project while it’s in progress to prevent issues or damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Studio welcomes creators of all skill levels! Children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult. Not sure where to start? Ask our library staff about age-appropriate activities and equipment recommendations!
  • WNPLD cardholders receive priority (make sure to enter your library card number) in program registration and can schedule one-on-one appointments with our Studio Specialists for personalized assistance.
  • Non-cardholders are welcome to create in The Studio.

The equipment is free to use, but there may be small fees for consumable materials like filament, wood, or vinyl. Patrons are welcome to bring their own materials. 

 

3D prints 10 cents/per gram 
Acrylic sheets $3.00 
Flash Drives $1.50 
Glassware $1.50 
Stabilizer $1.00 
Sublimation Mug $1.50 
Sublimation Tote Bag $2.00 
Sublimation Sheet $1.00 
Vinyl/HTV $1.00 
Wood Sheet $1.50 

 

The equipment in The Studio cannot be used to create anything that:

  • Violates local, state, or federal law.
  • Could be used as or simulates weaponry.
  • Is not appropriate in a library environment.
  • Violates copyright or trademark protections.

Yes! You’re welcome to bring your own project materials, but they must be compatible with our equipment. Ask a staff member if you're unsure.

Yes! Safety is a priority.

  • Some tools require training before use.
  • Protective gear (e.g., safety goggles) may be required.
  • Food and drinks are not allowed near equipment.

Studio Success: Quick Tips!

  • Plan Time: Projects take longer than expected. Schedule a consultation!
  • Learn, Don't Expect: Staff guide, you create. We don't design for you.
  • Research First: Prep your ideas and materials before you arrive.
  • Book Ahead: Check equipment availability.
  • Respect Space: Clean up and treat equipment with care.
  • Safety Always: Follow staff guidance.
  • Ask Questions: If unsure, ask for help!
  • Document: Take notes and photos for future projects.

The Studio is intended for personal, educational, and prototyping use. Commercial production is not allowed.

The Studio honors the memory of Constance Staffileno and her passion for art and art education, and aims to inspire generations of innovators and enthusiasts.

Upcoming Workshops

This event is in the "Teens & Tweens" group.
This event is in the "Family" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Flower Power Earrings

1:00pm - 3:00pm
Teens & Tweens, Family, Adults
Winnetka Library
Registration Required
This event is in the "Teens & Tweens" group.
This event is in the "Family" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Stamp Making with Technology

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Teens & Tweens, Family, Adults
Winnetka Library
Registration Required
This event is in the "School Age" group.
This event is in the "Teens & Tweens" group.

Rainbow Bookmarks-Take Home Craft!

9:00am - 10:00am
School Age, Teens & Tweens
Winnetka Library
This event is in the "Teens & Tweens" group.
This event is in the "Family" group.
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Beginner's Guide to Hatch Embroidery

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Teens & Tweens, Family, Adults
Winnetka Library
Registration Required
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Book Folding Art

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Adults
Winnetka Library
Registration Required
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Summer Sun Goddess Wreath

12:00pm - 2:00pm
Adults
Winnetka Library
Registration Required
This event is in the "Adults" group.

Computer Basics

6:00pm - 8:00pm
Adults
Winnetka Library
Registration Required