Unstaffed Hours in the Makerspaces and Studios
More Hours = More Flexibility = More Access
Unstaffed hours are times when patrons can reserve equipment or time in our makerspaces and studios when staff are not present to assist them. Offering additional hours allows the Library to expand access to these spaces, equipment, and software.
Rules and requirements for reserving the equipment or spaces during unstaffed hours
Timeline
The Library District plans to transition the makerspaces and studios listed below to have unstaffed hours:
- East Library's Makerspace – Starting Sept. 2026
- Sand Creek Library's Makerspace and Studio – Soon to be announced
- Library 21c's Makerspace and Studio – Soon to be announced
How to Access the Spaces During Unstaffed Hours:
*Please note: Not all makerspace equipment requires machine-specific certification.
The CNC is not available during unstaffed hours. The laser cutter/engraver is not currently available.
**Bring your photo ID and check in at the front desk of the Library to receive access badge.
You must sign the User Agreement every time you use the makerspace when staff are not available.
For questions about the certification process or support, please contact the makerspace or studio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unstaffed hours in our makerspaces and studios are available while the Library is open. Each location has different hours, which can be found at ppld.org. You must reserve time in advance for unstaffed hours on Assabet.
Yes, staffed hours will still be available. If you feel you need more help or assistance, you can reserve equipment or studio time during staffed hours.
No. Unstaffed Hours in our makerspaces and studios are only available during regular library operating hours. Each location has different hours, which can be found on ppld.org. You must reserve time for Unstaffed Hours here.
The makerspaces can be booked up to two weeks in advance. The studios can be reserved up to two months in advance.
Reservation limits for unstaffed hours are the same as those for staffed hours. Makerspace equipment may be reserved up to two times per month, and the studios may be reserved once per month.
All unstaffed makerspaces and studios reservation requests must be received at least four days in advance to allow time for staff approval.
You will receive an email when your reservation is approved or denied. You can update your contact information at ppld.org under “My Account.”
- You may not be certified for the machine or space you would like to use. See our certification process for more information.
- You may not have watched the Overview video and answered all the questions correctly on the quiz. You can rewatch the video and retake the quiz.
- For other concerns, please reach out to makerspace or studio staff.
No, the certification process to use the makerspace and studio during unstaffed hours is different from badging or in-person classes. Find out more about the certification process.
No, during unstaffed hours, you may only use the machine that you reserved, even if you are certified on other machines.
No, there are three certifications available in the studios: audio, video, and photography. You need the proper certification to work with the corresponding equipment. You may also only use what was approved in your reservation.
- Badging is required to use the 3D printer or laser during staffed or unstaffed hours.
- Certification for unstaffed is a higher level of mastery of the equipment that is required before a patron can use the equipment or spaces without staff present.
Similar material guidelines apply during both staffed and unstaffed hours. Patrons may bring their own materials for most equipment; however, outside filament is not permitted for our 3D printers. Due to safety concerns using the laser unstaffed, staff will approve outside materials in advance through the reservation request and allow a smaller range of acceptable materials than during staffed hours.
PPLD places a significant amount of trust in people using the makerspaces and studios unstaffed. If the rules that we have set are not followed, we will revoke unstaffed hours privileges.
Staff members in the building cannot help patrons in the makerspaces and studios during extended hours. If our equipment or software is not working, please fill out the Reservation Report. If you find that you need more help in our spaces, please book a time during the hours staff are available.