The Forge

Let’s make things in the Library’s makerspace!

Create, invent, and learn in our space designed for hands-on creativity.

Welcome to The Forge! Here you can paint, draw, make jewelry, sew a project, use the 3D printer, and be creative. You are welcome to use the space to work on your own project, or you can use the equipment and supplies for something new.

Using the Makerspace

Most of the equipment, resources, and supplies in The Forge can be used whenever The Forge is open. Reserveable equipment requires the user to have a library card or resource card in good standing. Learn more about getting a Library Card.

Makers under the age of 14 must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian to ensure the responsible use of the facility, unless attending a Library program. Our little makers are encouraged to explore The Forge, Jr. in the Children’s Department, especially the art cart, Lego, Lincoln Logs, Magnatiles, and the numerous coding gadgets.

Some of our equipment requires makers to be trained before use; this process is called “badging.” To use our 3D printer and embroidery machine, please call 262-532-8920 or email Forge@menomonee-falls.org to contact the Makerspace Coordinator to schedule a time to get badged. Once you are badged, you are eligible to use the equipment anytime it is available.

All users of The Forge should read and understand the Makerspace Policy. If you have any questions, please ask a staff member.

Makerspace Equipment

Reserving Equipment

Make sure the equipment you want to use is available during your visit to The Forge. Several items in The Forge can be reserved.

Reserveable equipment requires the user to have a library card or resource card in good standing. Learn more about getting a Library Card.

Upcoming Forging Creativity Events

Donations

We are grateful for all donations. Please consider donating something from our Wish List. Monetary donations are also welcome. Please make checks payable to Menomonee Falls Public Library.

We will accept new or gently-used arts and crafts supplies. You may bring these to any of the Library service desks. Please indicate on your bag or box that the material is for the Forge. If you have questions, please contact Mara Riebau, Makerspace Coordinator, at 262-532-8934 or by email at mriebau@menomonee-falls.org

Craft supplies that we do not use may be donated to other local organizations.

Wish List

Our makerspace is free for anyone to use, and that is possible only because of your generosity! We’re always in need of supplies. If you’d like to contribute, please take a look at our Wish List.

Donors

We are thankful to the many donors who generously donated funds/materials and their time to help make The Forge possible. You got the gears turning for The Forge!

Gratitude Wall

We are grateful to the donors who help ensure The Forge keeps moving forward through gifts and sponsorships. To show our appreciation, donors who significantly support The Forge receive their name displayed on The Forge’s Gratitude Wall.
Supporters who donate a gift within a single year will receive a small gear for gifts between $500-$999 and a large gear for gifts $1,000+.

Large Gear $1,000+

Ian, Elaine, and Charley Dickmann
Greater Menomonee Falls Foundation
Lillian H. Gross Memorial
Menomonee Falls Library Friends
Optimist Club of Menomonee Falls
Jane M. Schmitz Memorial
Joan A. Sellin Memorial
Martha Staszak

Small Gear $500 - $999

Community League
Ella Gross Memorial
Ontech Systems Inc.
Karen Raschke

Thank you for supporting The Forge!

Sponsorships

Our makerspace is more than just a room—The Forge is the embodiment of your Library’s mission to explore, learn, grow, and connect. The Forging Creativity initiative is crafting and creating classes for adults. At these classes, adults can explore new art mediums, learn a new skill, grow their knowledge, and connect with other community members. Forging Creativity classes build friendships, reconnect neighbors, promote mental well-being, provide a place to de-stress, and offer the opportunity for all makers to explore their creative side with old and new mediums.

To make a donation, or if you have any questions, please contact Mara Riebau, Makerspace Coordinator at: 262-532-8934 or mriebau@menomonee-falls.org

Class Sponsorships

Do you want to support creating and crafting at your Library? Do you want to help adults explore, learn, grow, and connect? Do all those things by sponsoring a Forging Creativity Class!

Underwrite the cost of class supplies and, if you choose, we’ll include your business name on all marketing materials. Donate at least $500 by the end of the year to earn a gear on our Donor Wall!

Benefits of Being a Class Sponsor

Your business/individual name will appear on all marketing materials, both print and digital
Your business/individual name will be tagged in social media posts about class
You will have the opportunity to present your business at your sponsored class
You can share your business fliers/brochures with patrons at sponsored class

Class Sponsorship Opportunities

Please submit payments minimum of 6 weeks prior to the class date.

Clay Pot Candy Dish – $150
- Class scheduled for 2/24/26
Decoupage Tray – $100
- Class scheduled for 3/7/26
Mini Library Cart – $75
- Class scheduled for 3/24/26
Purse Bead Charm – $50
- Class scheduled for 4/14/26
Alcohol Ink Tile Art – $40
- Class scheduled for 5/2/26

Equipment or Kit Sponsorships

Be a part of creating and crafting at the Library – help expand The Forge equipment offerings. Sponsor new equipment or a kit.

To show our appreciation, sponsors will:

Have their name placed on equipment/kit box
Be listed on The Forge’s “Donor” list and on the website
For sponsorships $500+, donors will receive the above plus have their name on The Forge’s Recognition wall

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Forge?

The Forge is the makerspace at Menomonee Falls Public Library. A makerspace is a collaborative workspace where people can create, invent and learn using a variety of tools and gadgets ranging from high-tech to no-tech.

Who can use the makerspace?

Anyone can use The Forge as long as they follow the rules. Makers age 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times, unless attending a supervised program.

Reserveable equipment requires the user to have a library card or resource card in good standing. Learn more about getting a Library Card.

When is The Forge open?

The Forge is usually open during normal Library hours, but closes 30 minutes before the Library closes.

So I can just come in whenever and use the 3D Printer?

Some equipment, like the 3D printer or our emboridery machine, requires you to be trained before use. This process is called badging. After you’ve been badged on a particular item, you can use that item whenever that it is available. Reservations are required for some equipment.

How do I reserve equipment?

Call 262-532-8920 or make your reservation online.

How much does it cost?

The Forge, its equipment, and supplies, is free for use by everyone. The Library, at the discretion of the Library Director or their designee, may require Makers to supply their own materials for projects that require large amounts of consumables. The Library welcomes donations to continue offering free classes and activities in The Forge to the community. All monetary donations collected for The Forge will be used exclusively for future Forge programming and services.

Are you looking for volunteers to help teach classes?

Yes! Once we begin offering classes for the community, we’d like to offer a wide variety of arts and crafts tutorials. If you are interested in sharing your talents with the community please call Mara at 262-532-8934 to be added to our list of volunteers.

News

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The Forge

Forge Equipment Spotlight: 3D Printer and Button Maker

10/20/2025/