Rockford Public Library is more than just books! In addition to information, we strive to give our patrons hands-on, interactive experiences that bring different members of the community together. The Maker Lab provides a space where entrepreneurs, hobbyists, and people looking to learn new things can have fun developing employable skills and collaborating on projects and creations!

Maker Lab hours:
Monday – Thursday – 11:00 AM to 7:40 PM.
Friday- 11:00 AM to 4:40 PM.
Saturday – Closed

We ask that you attend a one hour introductory session before using each of the various pieces of equipment in the Maker Lab. Once you’ve completed this session you are welcome to come in and use the equipment whenever the Lab is open.

To schedule an introductory session on the specific item you want to learn, call 815-966-2723 or email with three preferred days/times during the Maker Lab hours listed above.

The exciting equipment we have available for you to learn how to use are:

Cricut Maker
Cut materials, including paper, cardstock, vinyl, and fabric to create projects for home, business, school, or hobby. Create an account and make your designs online through Cricut Design Space.

Laser Cutter
Etch, carve, or cut materials, including curved and round items, with this precise and detailed machine.

3D Printers
With a MeCreator 2 and a MakerBot 3D printer, users can design and create real items, including prototypes.

Embroidery Machine
It’s easy to embellish fabric with 160 built-in embroidery designs and six fonts loaded on this embroidery machine.

Sewing Machines
Features multi-stitch functions, including utility, decorative and stretch stitches as well as a one-step buttonhole. Adjustable stitch width and stitch length.

T-shirt Press
This manual clamshell heat press can get up to 500° for transferring images (up to 14″x14″) onto cotton and polyester garments, canvas bags, mouse mats, ceramic tiles, and T-shirts/shirts/sweat pants.

Join the RPL Maker Community! Email us at to be added to our mailing list to learn about Maker Lab updates events.