Upcoming Events
When it comes to working on electronics, soldering is an essential skill. In this class, we’ll go over the basics of the soldering iron, types of solder, basic terminology, and safety.
Do you have general questions about your mobile device, computer or laptop? Do you want to set up an email address, but you’re not sure where to start? Would you like to learn how to download an eBook, audiobook, movie or music?
Are you ready for the winter holidays? Get photos taken for free to send to family or friends!
Do you have general questions about your mobile device, computer or laptop? Do you want to set up an email address, but you’re not sure where to start? Would you like to learn how to download an eBook, audiobook, movie or music?
Learn the basics of how to use a sewing machine: from setting it up properly, to sewing straight lines! We’ll cover: sewing machine parts and accessories, how to thread the machine, how to install the bobbin, and more!
Explore and develop new ideas at the Makerspace, located on the second floor of the Library. A place for artists, tinkerers, techies, innovators and entrepreneurs alike, the Makerspace features technology that is sure to help you grow your creative ideas.
The Makerspace is open Monday-Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Projects are subject to approval by Makerspace Staff and materials used must fall within the approved materials guidelines.
Most of the equipment is available for use during Makerspace lab hours. Some devices can be checked out for up to five days with a valid library card.
For questions, please email makerspace@councilbluffslibrary.org.
The Makerspace is open Monday-Thursday from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless there is a Library program that requires it to be closed.
Adults, 18 years or older, and Teens in 6th grade through 12th grade may use the Makerspace. Youth under 6th grade may use the Makerspace if they are accompanied by parent or guardian, who the Library will consider the responsible party, or if they are participating in a Library sponsored program. Individual equipment may have further age restrictions for use.
Certain tools, technology, and equipment require a process of certification prior to use. For the equipment that is only available for in-library use, a One-on-One Equipment Tutorial can be scheduled with a staff member. Once certified, patrons can reserve a Makerspace Station online.
Library staff must approve all patron-supplied materials before being used on or with Makerspace tools, technology, and equipment.
For further question, please contact email makerspace@councilbluffslibrary.org.
Some of the equipment in the lab is available for circulation, and can be checked out for up to five days with a valid library account. A patron must be over 18 years of age, and may check out no more than one piece of equipment and its accompanying accessories at a time. A patron must be certified to borrow Makerspace equipment. Requests to reserve Makerspace equipment can be made through our online form. The patron is required to sign an agreement and present it to the Technology Assistant Librarian before the equipment will be released.
There are no renewals on loans for equipment from the Makerspace Lab. Equipment loaned from the Makerspace Lab must be returned to the Makerspace or Reference Desk during regular hours of operation. Equipment may not be returned in the book drop. Patrons returning damaged or incomplete equipment will be charged the entire replacement cost for that item. Late, damaged, or missing materials will be billed to the patron by the City of Council Bluffs.
The Library charges for certain consumable materials.
3D Printing: $1.00/HOUR (maximum print time of six hours)
Lamination: $0.50/LINEAR FOOT (minimum charge of $1.00)
Large Format Printing: $0.75/LINEAR FOOT
Sublimation Printing: $1.00/PAGE
Blank CD: $0.50
Blank DVD: $1.00
Flash Drive: $3.00
Headphones: $1.00
Makerspace Lab Equipment
A resin 3D printer with maximum print dimensions of 115 mm x 65 mm x 155 mm.
An embroidery only machine that utilizes both preset fonts and images as well as custom designs.
With the El Gato Video Capture Card, any media that has RCA or S-Video outputs can be connected to a computer and saved in a digital format.
An overhead scanner with OCR software for archiving of both images and text.
A 25” wide thermal laminator for the creation of more durable documents and banners.
A 24” wide, spool-fed printer for large prints such as maps and banners.
15in x 15in heat press with pressure and temperature settings to ensure consistent results.
A filament 3D printer with maximum print dimensions of 435 mm x 340 mm x 385 mm.
A 24in wide-format cutting machine able to handle paper, vinyl, fabric, and many other materials.
Combines three functions into one simple operation-stitching a seam, trimming the excess seam allowance and overcasting the edge of your fabric.
Temperature Ranges of 194°F - 896°F with 5 Extra Sizes/Styles of Soldering Tips .
Makerspace Equipment for Available for Check Out
The Canon EOS Rebel T5 is a digital SLR camera designed for still photography. It is also capable of recording video.
The Canon XA20 HD is a professional digital camcorder capable of recording in full HD resolution (1920 x 1080).
The Celluon PicoPro Projector is a portable projector great for camping trips and other remote outings. This projector is not intended for professional presentations.
The Fender Passport Venue is a professional speaker system available for organizational use only. The Rockville RGB 12S Bass is an accompanying accessory that may be checked out along with the Fender Passport Venue.
The Gardening Toolkit includes a trowel, transplanter, weeder, cultivator, and a tool roll.
The Ghost Hunting Exploration Kit contains a GoPro Hero 4, capable of recording 4K high definition video at 30 frames per second, an EMF Meter, two walkie-talkies and two flashlights.
The GoPro HERO 10 is capable of recording 5.3K high definition video at 60 frames per second and is waterproof up to 33 feet.
The iFixit Essential Electronics Toolkit is a do-everything toolkit containing what you need for most essential electronics repairs—including screen and battery swaps—and everything you need for most household DIY fixes and eyeglass tightening.
The Janome Jem Gold 660 is a compact sewing machine that offers 12 stitches and a built-in buttonhole. This machine is designed for household use.
The Meeting Owl 3 Webcam captures 360° video in 1080p HD and 360° audio up to 18’ (5.5m). It automatically focuses on whoever is speaking to foster active collaboration and increased participation, while showing a 360° view of the room.
The Orion StarBlast 4.5" Astro Reflector Telescope is an easy-to-use telescope that has been modified as part of the Library Telescope Program.
The Park Tool Professional Toolkit & Repair Stand is a professional set of specialty tools to help you perform hundreds of bicycle repair and maintenance procedures, from basic adjustments to full drivetrain replacement.
The Podcast Kit contains everything you need to record up to four individuals in up to 24-bit /96kHz audio in BWF-compliant WAV or a variety of MP3 formats.
The RICOH Theta S 360 Camera is a 360 degree camera that can be used to capture still images or up to 25 minutes of video.
Silicone molds that can be used to cast soap or other non-edible materials.
The ViewSonic PA503W DLP Projector is a user-friendly projector that features multiple connectivity options including: HDMI, 2 x VGA in, Composite Video, 1 X VGA output, and Audio in/out.
The ViewSonic PJ256 D DMD Projector is a micro-portable projector featuring connectivity through VGA or composite video.