McLean County Makerspaces
This page is a resource for community members hoping to engage in maker activities and for maker organizations to share their training, tools, and equipment with interested parties.
If you would like your organization to be included, please reach out to Ashley Waring-Sparks.
Bloomington Public Library
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Contact Information
Olivia Buck-Kuafman
oliviab@bloomingtonlibrary.org
(309) 590-6136
Bloomington Public Library Website -
Stop By
205 E Olive Street, Bloomington, IL 61704
Hours of Operation:
M–Th: 9am–9pm
F–Sat: 9am–5pm
Sun: 1pm–5pm
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 the Public
Maker tools include 3D printers, multicolor 3D printer, resin printer, laser cutter, sublimation printer, Cricut, embroidery machine, sewing machines, t-shirt press, green screens, photo boxes, Adobe Creative Suite, Affinity Suite, digital-media hardware/software, virtual-reality equipment, and a digital-preservation studio where the public can convert cassette tapes, VHS tapes, slides, negatives, and photos to digital.
Cost of Equipment
All equipment is available free of charge, but you must bring your own consumable materials to work with (e.g., filament, material, thread, and t-shirts).
Equipment Requiring Training
The following equipment is available to anyone 12 and up with training: 3D printers, laser cutter, sublimation printer, Cricut, embroidery machine, sewing machines, and t-shirt press. Training is free and can be scheduled via the website.
Educational Programming & Class Offerings
Programming topics include Python programming language, Raspberry Pis, Arduinos, 3D printing, and robotics. Educational programming and classes are intended for ages 12 and up, and there is no cost for virtual and in-person sessions.
Illinois Art Station
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Contact Information
Nicole Learned
nlearned@normalil.gov
(309) 433-9991
Illinois Art Station Website -
Stop By
101 E Vernon Ave, Normal, IL 61761
Hours of Operation:
M–F: (Business hours) 9am–5pm
***Open to the public during program hours.
Please check the IAS website for program info.
Free 4th Saturdays: 10am–2pm
Mission Statement
Illinois Art Station (IAS) is committed to providing young artists and families from all neighborhoods and backgrounds with hands-on, transformative experiences in the visual arts.
Art experiences provide opportunities for children and youth to develop crucial social, emotional, and cognitive skills, including collaboration and imaginative problem-solving.
Maker Tools Available to the Public
Maker tools include 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 the public for a fee, unless offered during a free Town of Normal or Partner Event or during our Free 4th Saturday.
Equipment Requiring Training
No training is required for use of equipment.
Educational Programming & Class Offerings
In-person art education programming is available by registration on the IAS website. Program and class offerings vary in price.
Indigo Quilt Studio
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Contact Information
Heather Barrick
heather@indigoquiltstudio.com
(217) 732-4112
Indigo Quilt Studio Website -
Stop By
129 S Kickapoo St, Lincoln, IL 62656
Hours of Operation:
M–F: 10am–5pm
Sat: 10am–2pm
Mission Statement
We provide inspiration, education, and resources for quilters, sewists, and stitchers.
Maker Tools Available to the Public
Maker tools include a long-arm quilting machine.
Cost of Equipment
All equipment is available to 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 and up. Trainings are scheduled as needed for a one-on-one 4-hour session, and the cost is $80.
Normal Public Library
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Contact Information
Rhiannon Shoults
rhiannon@normalpl.org
(309) 433-3481
Normal Public Library Website -
Stop By
206 W. College Ave., Normal, IL 61761
Hours of Operation:M–Th 9am–8pm
Sat: 9am–5pm
Sun: 1pm–5pm
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 the access, resources, and training to use these valuable tools.
Maker Tools Available to the Public
Maker tools include 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 the public free of charge.
Equipment Requiring Training
More technical equipment requires training.
Educational Programming & Class Offerings
The library provides free, in-person training for adults and teens for the Silhouette cutting machine.