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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 stuff 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.

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.

Supply Costs

Supplies for your first project are always free. We need your help to keep it that way and appreciate your donation for additional projects.

Cricut

  • 12”x12” Vinyl: $0.50
  • 12”x12” Transfer Tape: $2

Button Maker

  • 1.5″ button: $0.50
  • 2.25” button: $0.50

3D Printer

Filament $0.10 per gram (includes rafts/brims/support & failed prints due to design error)

Paper

  • 12”x12” Scrapbook: $0.25
  • 8.5”x11” Cardstock: $0.10

Laminating Sleeve

  • 8.5”x11” Laminating Sleeve: $0.25

Donors

The following donors, along with several anonymous donors, have generously donated funds and their time to help make The Forge possible. We can’t thank them enough! Some of the names are further acknowledged on The Forge’s Gratitude Wall
Supporters who have donated $500 have a small gear and benefactors who have donated $1,000+ have a large gear on the wall.

  • Ian, Elaine, and Charley Dickmann
  • Community League
  • Greater Menomonee Falls Foundation
  • Annie Jurczyk
  • Joanne Lesing
  • Andrew and Emily Lukasek
  • MagnaTiles
  • Menomonee Falls Optimist Club
  • Steve Taggart
  • Karen Raschke
  • Menomonee Falls Library Friends
  • LC and Mary Carl
  • A. Novak
  • Ontech Systems Inc.
  • Kristine Dietrich
  • Janet Roach
  • Dr. Jenny Chen

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, gro, and connect? Do all those things by sponsoring a Forging Creativity Class!

Underwrite the cost of class supplies and, if you choose, we’ll inlcude 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

2024 Spring Opportunities

  • Leprechaun Hat Painting (two sessions) – $150
  • Spring Sock Bunnies (two sessions) – $100
  • Memorial Day Paper Flower Wreaths – $75
  • Solar Eclipse Cookies – $75
  • Button Picture Frames – $50
  • Seed Balls – $50

Sponsorships must be received by Friday, January 26 to be included in the next issue of Storyteller, your Library’s quarterly news and events magazine. Sponsorships received later will be inlcuded in all other promotional materials.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

 

There is no charge for using our equipment, and supplies for your first project are free! After that, we ask that you make a donation for any supplies that you use. A suggested price list can be found in The Forge.

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.

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If you have an questions about The Forge, please contact us using the form below.