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Makerspace Policy

Chapter: Services
Policy Number: 3.07
Original Effective Date: 2/18/21
Revision History: 7/21/21, 2/26/25

Space Usage Guidelines

  • The Forge is open for public use
  • Users of the Forge (“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 they are attending a Library program. 
  • The Forge is open for use when the Library is open. It closes 30 minutes before the Library closes. The room is not open to the public when it is being used for a Library-sponsored class or event.
  • Covered beverages are permitted. Food is not permitted unless express permission is granted by Library staff.
  • Individual Makers or groups may not request to exclusively use the space.
  • The total number of individuals in The Forge at one time may be limited.
  • Library staff is available for basic assistance only.
  • No horseplay, startling, or distracting anyone while using a tool or equipment.
  • Properly clean all supplies, equipment, and work area after use.
  • Return supplies and equipment to their proper storage location.
  • 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.

Equipment Use

  • Staff may request a Maker’s name, Bridges Library System Library card number, contact information, and—in some cases—age, to record usage or provide access to equipment in the room.
  • Some equipment requires the Maker to complete training (“badging”) before use. Makers may not use these pieces of equipment without training. It is the responsibility of the Maker to coordinate training with staff.
  • When using equipment, the Maker implies that they are capable of using the equipment in a safe and proper manner. The Maker must follow any safety guidelines listed on the equipment’s usage sheet.
  • Equipment and supplies may not be removed from The Forge without Library approval.
  • The Library is not responsible for any defects in final projects or the quality of any of the equipment in the Forge.
  • If any of the equipment begins to act in an incorrect or unsafe manner, the Maker must immediately discontinue use and notify Library staff. If Maker notices any damage to the equipment, notify a Staff member and ask approval before use.
  • Equipment used must be returned in the same condition as issued, barring normal wear and tear such as scratches. Makers (or their parents/guardians) agree to pay for the loss of or damage to any items due to misuse or non-compliance with specified instructions.
  • Makers may lose equipment access or access to The Forge if they:
    • Do not adhere to Library policies
    • Damage Library property, equipment, or supplies
    • Do not follow usage/safety guidelines
    • Repeatedly reserve equipment but do not show up or arrive more than 15 minutes late

Priority for Use of Equipment in The Forge

  1. Library staff or scheduled programs or training
  2. Individuals who have made a reservation for a specific date/time
  3. Walk-ins, based upon availability

Release of Liability

  • All makers must respect the intellectual property of others and U.S. Copyright laws and cannot create anything for commercial, business, or resale purposes
  • Anything unlawful, dangerous, obscene, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment cannot be created
  • Approval to use the Forge does not constitute endorsement by the Library of the uses to which the space is put or the products produced therein
  • Users of the room and its equipment are fully aware that participation may result in risk of personal injury or harm. Users of the room and its equipment release the Library, The Village, its employees, volunteers, committees, and board, from and against any and all liability, loss, damages, claims, or actions (including costs and attorney’s fees) for bodily injury and/or property damage, to the extent permissible by law.