Hours
The Central Library ideaLAB is open year-round, and our open lab hours are all ages. Some tools require a reservation, see below for details. Our open lab hours are:
- Sunday - 1:00 - 5:00 PM
- Monday - Thursday - 2:00 - 6:00 PM
- Closed Friday and Saturday
We also run workshops and programs — be sure to check the events & classes calendar regularly!
Where is the ideaLAB?
We are in the Community Technology Center at the Central Library, on the southwest end of Floor 4. Take the elevators up and walk into the computer lab. Head past the Ask Desk - look for the teal wall and our big glass door at the west end of the floor.
What's Available at the Central Library ideaLAB?
Laser Cutter and Engraver
Reservations Recommended, see equipment reservation details below
- Glowforge Pro Laser Cutter
- Please see the Laser Cutter FAQ for information about acceptable materials
3D Printer
Reservations Recommended, see equipment reservation details below
- AnkerMake M5 Printers
- Original Prusa i3 MK3 Printer
- 3D Modeling Software (Tinkercad, 3D Builder, Meshmixer, Blender)
- Please see the 3D Printing FAQ for more information on how 3D printing works at the library
Recording Studio
Reservations Recommended, see equipment reservation details below
- Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 Audio Interface
- GarageBand
- Logic Pro
- AKAI Professional MPK Mini MIDI Keyboard
- (3) Audio Technica ATH-M20x headphones
- Condenser microphones
- Acoustic, Electric, and Bass Guitars
- There is an additional station for music editing outside of the recording studio with an AKAI Professional MPK Mini MIDI Keyboard, GarageBand and Logic Pro software, and headphones.
- Please see our page on Recording Studios for more information about Studios at the library
Digital Art
- Adobe Creative Cloud Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere, and more)
- Inkscape
- Procreate
- iPads with Styluses
Sewing Machines and Tools
- Sewing Machines (Brother CS6000i and Brother Strong & Tough ST150HDH)
- Serger (Juki MO-644D)
- Mid-Arm Quilting Machine (Juki TL-2000Qi)
- Sewing Tools and Supplies (thread, needles, pins, seam rippers, fabric marking tools, rotary cutter, cutting mat, and more)
- Assorted Fabric Scraps
General Textiles
- Hand Embroidery Supplies
- Yarn
- Crochet Hooks
- Knitting Needles
- Pom Pom Makers
Cricut Vinyl Cutting and Papercraft
- Cricut Maker 3 Cutting Machine
- Cricut Easy Press
- A limited supply of sticker vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, and cardstock for projects
Electronics and Microcontrollers
- Basic Electronics Components (LEDs, coin cell batteries, resistors, etc.)
- Soldering Iron
- Hobbyist Computing Devices and Microcontrollers (Circuit Playground, micro:bits, Raspberry Pi)
Hand Tools
- Power Drill
- Dremel 9100 Fortiflex heavy duty flex shaft tool
- Assorted hand tools (screwdrivers, pliers, specialized driver sets)
Art and Craft
- 1-inch Button Maker
- Jewelry Making Supplies
- Various Craft and Art supplies
Equipment Reservations
- Reservations are strongly recommended for our Laser Cutter and Engraver, 3D Printer, and Recording Studio.
- Reservations can be made by calling 720-865-1706 or by visiting the Community Technology Center information desk at the Central Library.
- You must have a Denver Public Library card to make a reservation.
- Reservations can be made for up to 2 hours, one at a time, once per week. This ensures we can preserve access for everyone.
- If you will be late, please call 720-865-1706 to let us know. After 10 minutes, reservations are automatically canceled.
If you have questions, please contact us at 720-865-1706 or by sending an email to ctc@denverlibrary.org.