The Studio at the Library

THE STUDIO AT THE LIBRARY is an innovative, new 8,000 sq. ft. space on the lower level of the Main Library, including a makerspace, recording booths, computer lab, and gaming area. Creative tools include 3D printers, sewing machines, Cricut machines, and Glowforge laser cutters.

The Studio hosts activities for teens after school, creative workshops for adults in the evening, and is open to community members on weekends.

The Studio at the Library is made possible with support from the Library Foundation, Library Friends, and the City of Champaign.

Open hours on weekends

Drop in Saturday (9–6) and Sunday (12–6) – Want to create something special? Drop in during weekend open hours to explore The Studio! Reserve a time to try out the Cricut machines, Glowforge laser cutters, or recording booths.

You can also schedule a Book-a-Librarian appointment during the week, to learn about Studio tools and resources—and get your questions answered.

Equipment + creative tools

Curious what kinds of creative tools are available for walk-in use and for reservations? Overview of Studio equipment and creative tools »

Reservations

You can reserve Studio tools and recording booths for 2 hours at a time. Many creative tools—including the computer lab and gaming devices—are available without reservations.

What’s available to reserve?

• Cricut Cutting Machine
• Cricut Heat Press
• Cricut Mug Press
• Glowforge Laser Cutter
• Recording Booth (1 person and 2 person)

The recording booths provide sound dampening and are equipped with a computer, speakers, mic, headphones, and keyboard.

Reservations are available during weekend hours. For reservations »

For 3D and large format prints, please submit your files. We’ll take care of printing for you!

Send files for 3D printing »

Send files for large format printing »

First-time user? Schedule a Book-a-Librarian appointment or connect with a staff member, prior to your reservation time.

Materials & pricing

Colored vinyl, tote bags, wood, and acrylic – When you use The Studio during library workshops, we supply materials. The rest of the time, you’ll be able to purchase some supplies. The Studio is stocked with materials for customizing your projects, including vinyl sheets for the Cricut machines, wood and acrylic for the laser cutters, and poster paper. If you bring your own materials, library staff will need to approve before use. Pricing for materials »

Book-a-Librarian

Need help with a creative project or learning new technology? Interested in taking a tour? Set up a one-on-one consultation with one of our staff members.

Creative workshops for adults

Crafty Adults, Writer’s Workshops, Tech Workshops – Looking for creative workshops for adults? You can create something new at Crafty Adults, connect with other writers and hone your skills at Writer’s Workshops, and get your tech questions answered at Tech Workshops in The Studio each month. We supply all materials for library workshops.

Upcoming events

• Dec 6, Writer’s Workshop | Open Mic Night, 7 pm*
• Dec 11, Creating Digital Greeting Cards with Adobe Illustrator, 6:30 pm*
• Dec 13, Crafty Adults | Floral Arranging, 6 pm* · Sign up starting Dec 1
• Dec 18, Tech Workshop | Intro to Streaming Services, 6:30 pm*
• Dec 20, Studio Workshop | Create Your Own Mug: Intro to Cricut, 6:30 pm* · Sign up starting Dec 14

2024

• Jan 17, Writer’s Workshop | Writers Lounge, 7 pm
• Jan 24, Studio Workshop | Wooden Keychains: Intro to Glowforge, 6:30 pm*
• Jan 29,  Specialty Tech Workshop | Scanning and Editing Photos with Adobe Photoshop, 6 pm*

• Feb 7, Writer’s Workshop | Steps to Acquire a Literary Agent, 7 pm
• Feb 19, Specialty Tech Workshop | 3D Printing for Adults, 6:30 pm*
• Feb 21, Writer’s Workshop | Intro to Self-Publishing, 7 pm
• Feb 28, Studio Workshop | Sewing 101, 6:30 pm*

*Some workshops require registration. Call 217/403-2000 or sign up online.

How can I schedule a visit?

Book-a-Librarian – We offer one-on-one assistance with Studio tools and resources. To schedule an appointment, call 217/403-2000 or reserve online. Book-a-Librarian »

Frequently asked questions

Q: How long does it take to create a project on the Cricut machines?
A: Cricut projects can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours per person depending on design, materials, and level of expertise. 

Q: How long does it take to create a project on the Glowforge laser cutter? 
A: Glowforge projects can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours per person depending on design, material, and level of expertise. 

Q: How long does it take to record and edit in the sound booth? 
A: To produce, record, and edit a song or podcast, we would recommend two hours of planned activity.   

Q: How long does it take for 3D printing?   
A: We’ll take care of printing for you! Send files for 3D printing »

Q: How long does it take to print on the large format printer? 
A: We’ll  take care of printing for you! Send files for large format printing »

Group options

Q: Is your group interested in The Studio?
A: Contact us to set up a tour and get your questions answered. Due to the equipment and supplies in the space, library staff will be on site hosting all programs and appointments.   

The Studio’s regular schedule of events includes library programs for teens and adults, Book-a-Librarian appointments, and tours during the week. The Studio is open to the public on the weekends—Saturday (9-6) and Sunday (12-6).   

Q: Can my group book The Studio for a tour to learn about the space and equipment? 
A: Absolutely! A tour and demonstration are available and take approximately 1 hour. Tours do not include hands-on time to design and print. To schedule a tour, Book-a-Librarian »

Q: Can my group book the entire space for The Studio and all of the equipment?   
A: Due to staffing demands, limited space availability due to Library programs, and the amount of time needed to design and print on the various equipment in the space, The Studio is not available for large group reservations.  

The CU Fab Lab offers group workshops for youth and adults.

Q: Can my group book The Studio for a workshop on a specific piece of equipment?
A: The Library offers programs featuring specific equipment and a planned activity, including Crafty Adults and Technology workshops, which are free and available to the public. Calendar of events » 

The CU Fab Lab offers group workshops for youth and adults.

Q: Can I rent The Studio to host an event?
A: The Studio is not available to rent for social gatherings, private events, or parties.  

Q: Can my group book The Studio for use of the Cricut machines to do group crafting? 
A: The Cricut machines are best suited to small group instruction of 2 to 3 people. Cricut projects can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours per person depending on design, materials, and level of expertise. 

• Cricut machines are available for reservation during weekend hours. For reservations »
• For training on a Cricut, Book-a-Librarian »

Q: Can my group book The Studio and use the Glowforge laser cutter for a group project?
A: The Glowforge laser cutters are best suited to small group instruction of 2 to 3 people. Glowforge projects can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours per person depending on design, materials, and level of expertise. 

• Glowforge laser cutters are available for reservation during weekend hours. For reservations »
• For training on a Glowforge, Book-a-Librarian »

Q: Can my group book The Studio to use the sound booths for a group recording project?
A: The sound booths are best suited to small groups of up to 2 people. To produce, record, and edit a song or podcast, we would recommend two hours of planned activity.  

• Recording booths are available for reservation during weekend hours. For reservations »
• For training on using a sound booth, Book-a-Librarian » 

Q: Can my group book The Studio for group gaming? 
A: Gaming is available during open hours on weekends and is first come, first serve.