Makerspace Use Policy

Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) provides open access to information and encourages the free and respectful expression of all points of view. The BPLD makerspaces extend those commitments into the world of making by providing open access to a wide variety of equipment and tools during Open Studio hours, and by offering classes and programs for guided exploration.

BPLD’s Rules of Conduct and Internet Access policy apply to the makerspaces. A signed Makerspace Acknowledgment of Risk and Release form is required of users and visitors to a makerspace. An exception is given to individuals or groups on staff-led tours of the makerspaces. Users must also complete any required Equipment Use and Safety Class prior to independent use of most equipment and tools in the spaces.

Equipment and tools in the makerspaces are available at no charge to community members. Some equipment requires training and/or registration. All other equipment is available to use on a first come, first served basis. Independent use of tools and equipment during classes or programs is prohibited without prior authorization by staff.

Use of makerspace equipment and tools is free during Open Studio hours. Users are welcome to bring in staff-approved consumable materials for use with the equipment and tools, except the 3D printers. BPLD supplies 3D printer filament for a fee to users. Other consumable materials may be available for purchase such as sheets of wood, skeins of wool, etc. Fees for consumable materials are charged to cover BPLD’s costs. During library programs, BPLD may provide consumable materials free of charge, as available. Please consult with staff about the availability of consumable material before planning a project.

Users (or if minors, their parents/guardians) are responsible for any fees incurred for loss or damage to BPLD property, not associated with normal wear and tear, which is the result of inappropriate or unauthorized use of tools, equipment, or consumable materials, or for improper clean-up of the tools, equipment, or the space. BPLD is not responsible for any damage to, or loss or theft of, users’ personal property including electronic files left on BPLD computers.

At its discretion, staff reserves the right to disallow the use of any tools, equipment, or consumable materials, or to halt, delete, or disallow the creation of items that violate any library policy. Projects must be approved by staff prior to the use of 3D printers, the laser cutter, and the CNC machine to ensure that proper file format, size and materials are being used. Approval to use the makerspaces does not constitute endorsement by BPLD of the uses to which the space is put or the products produced therein.

Makerspace Use Guidelines

All users and visitors must agree to and sign the Acknowledgment of Risk and Release form before entering the space. Exception is given to individuals or groups on staff-led tours of the space.
Minors (under 18) must have a parent/adult guardian agree to and sign the Acknowledgment of Risk and Release form before entering the space. Exception is given to individuals or groups on staff-led tours of the space.
Some equipment requires Use and Safety Class prior to participating in Open Studio hours.
Users must be punctual for scheduled classes. A reservation is subject to cancellation if the user is late by 10 or more minutes. Users may lose the ability to make any further reservations after 3 absences unless staff are notified in advance. Users under the age of fourteen must be supervised by a parent, adult guardian (18 or older), or teacher always, unless the program expressly allows otherwise.

Safety Guidelines

Safety gear is required during the use of some tools and safety gear must be worn as appropriate. BPLD provides safety gear while in the space.
Long hair must be safely secured and out of the way. Jewelry, lanyards, loose clothing or other dangly items are not permitted in the space.
Closed-toed shoes are required in the space.
Unsafe behavior is not permitted. Users are encouraged to report any unsafe behavior observed in the space to the staff member or volunteer on-duty.
Covered, non-alcoholic drinks are allowed. Food is prohibited unless otherwise approved by staff.

Tool and Material Donation Guidelines

BPLD does not accept donations of tools or materials.

Approved by the Boulder Public Library District Board of Trustees, May 28, 2024.