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Center for Mathematics, Science, and Technology

Welcome to the McLean County Makerspace Coalition

This page is a resource for community members hoping to engage in maker activities and for maker organizations to share their trainings, tools, and equipment with interested parties.

If you would like your organization to be included, please reach out to Rebekka Darner.

Bloomington Public Library

Mission Statement

We provide our diverse community with a helpful and welcoming place that offers equal access to the world of ideas and information and supports lifelong learning.

Maker Tools Available to Public

3D printers, Poster Printer, Digital Media Hardware/Software, Virtual Reality Equipment, and a digital preservation studio where the public can convert cassette tapes, VHS tapes, slides, negatives, and pictures to digital.

Cost of Equipment

Some equipment is available to the public free of charge while some requires a fee.

Equipment Requiring Training

3D printing- Available to anyone 12+, there is no cost for the training, and training can be scheduled via the website.

Educational Programming & Class Offerings

Programming topics include Phython Program, Raspberry PIs, Arduinos, 3D printing, and Robotics. There is no cost, format is virtual and in-person, and intended for 12+.

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Illinois Art Station

Mission Statement

Illinois Art Station is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing transformative learning through hands-on experience with the visual arts for children, youth, and teens from all backgrounds and neighborhoods. IAS provides classes as well as drop-in art making opportunities for young people to learn through creation and exploring new ways to tap into their own unique creativity and ability to address problems and issues they care about.

Maker Tools Available to Public

Kiln (no pottery wheel), some light tools, and printmaking materials. Art supplies include paint, sculpting materials, drawing media, etc. All materials are washable and/or water soluble, and nontoxic.

Cost of Equipment

All equipment is available to all members of the public for a fee.

Equipment Requiring Training

No training is required for use of equipment.

Educational Programming & Class Offerings

In-person art education programming is available for youth between the ages of 3-18 for a cost of $35-$45 per 3-week session.

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Indigo Quilt Studio

Mission Statement

We provide inspiration, education, and resources for quilters, sewists, and stitchers.

Maker Tools Available to Public

Long-arm quilting machine.

Cost of Equipment

All equipment is available to all members of the public for a fee.

Equipment Requiring Training

All equipment requires training for use by the public.

Educational Programming & Class Offerings

Required training for the longarm quilting machine is available for anyone ages 18+. Trainings are scheduled as needed for a one-on-one 4-hour session and the cost is $80.

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Normal Public Library

Mission Statement

The Normal Public Library is a valuable educational and recreational resource that enriches the quality of life for community residents. Providing maker tools to the public ensures that all community members have access, resources, and training to use these valuable tools.

Maker Tools Available to Public

3D printers, microcontrollers & robotics, sewing equipment, and art supplies. Art supplies include yarn, tape, washi tape, pipe cleaners, jewelry supplies, wood art supplies, markers, crayons, colored pencils, paper, scissors, mod podge, glue, and more!

Cost of Equipment

All equipment is available to all members of the public free of charge.

Equipment Requiring Training

More technical equipment requires training.

Educational Programming & Class Offerings

Library provides free of cost, in-person training for adults and teens for the silhouette cutting machine.

** Note: Because the Normal Public Library building is closed for renovations, the only maker tools currently available to the public are their 3D printers. You can submit 3D print requests using this form on their website. Other tools, such as their Cricut cutting machines and sewing machines, can sometimes be used at off-site library programs listed on their calendar. Their makerspace is currently scheduled to open after building renovations are completed around the summer or fall of 2025.**

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