St. Joseph County Public Library’s Studio 304 makerspace helps patrons bring their creativity to life

Over the last two decades, makerspaces have become an increasingly common feature in libraries. These labs often feature digital workspaces, fabrication machines like 3D printers, and other useful technological devices and resources. Studio 304, St. Joseph County Public Library’s (SJCPL) makerspace lab, offers its patrons a wide range of machines, devices, and services that enable them to design and eventually bring their creations to life. The majority of Studio 304’s services can even be accessed by patrons who don’t have library cards, ensuring that everyone has a chance to let their creativity shine.

Studio 304 has its origins in SJCPL’s original makerspace, which was first established in 2008. At the time, this makerspace was somewhat grandfathered into the library’s layout, with unused offices being repurposed into recording studios. However, in 2014, a new custom-built space was constructed for what would become Studio 304.

Today, Studio 304 boasts recording studios, rentable audio and visual production equipment, professional-grade printers and scanners, computers, and fabrication equipment. Its diverse array of offerings helps set it apart from other makerspaces in Michiana. The lab’s staff is always adding new devices and services to Studio 304’s list of offerings. They even offer events called “Creator Meetups” where local creatives can showcase the art they have made over the summer and display their pieces in the library.

“Libraries are now much more than places where you can rent books,” said Chad Rajski, digital lab assistant librarian at Studio 304. “People are looking for new ways to express themselves and share their creativity with others. Studio 304 helps them do so by giving them access to technology they may not normally have access to. Our hope is that this space will spark patrons’ curiosity and encourage people to explore new skills and new technology. It’s also a place that we hope will encourage a sense of community among creatives in the area.”

Recording Studios

Studio 304 has five recording studios, four of which are set up for audio recording. Each of these four studios feature condenser microphones, Mac Minis that have the audio editing software Band Lab and Garageband, and cutting-edge audio equipment. Studio 304’s video recording studio features a green screen wall, a 4K digital camera, and professional studio lights. Patrons have used the video recording studio for everything from business commercials to podcast recordings to audition tapes. Library card-holding patrons age 14 and up can rent the recording studios for whatever they might need.

Rentable Equipment

Studio 304 has an array of production equipment that patrons can rent out for up to seven days. The lab has a stock of professional-grade Canon Rebel Digital Single-Lens Reflex cameras that can be rented out by library card-carrying patrons aged 18 years and older for out-of-lab use.

After paying a refundable safety deposit, the renter can use the camera for any purpose, even taking it along on vacation if they so choose. Studio 304 also rents out clip-on lavalier microphones, studio microphones, and a GoPro video camera. Patrons can even rent out a portable podcast kit that includes a pair of condenser microphones, two headphones, and a full mixing board that can connect to up to four microphones. Several local business leaders have used the podcast kit as a cost-effective way to experiment with the medium.

Professional-Grade Printers and Scanners

Patrons can also make use of Studio 304’s oversized Epson 12000XL scanner, which has a 12-inch by 18-inch scanning bed. This scanner has been used to scan posters, large family photographs, and even a mat from a 1983 “Star Trek” tabletop game. Studio 304 also features a Canon Pro 2100 plotter printer that uses computer commands to print images that can be up to 24 inches wide. A laserjet printer is available for any standard printing needs as well. Studio 304’s inkjet printer can be used by patrons who need to print on specialty paper like cardstock, business card material, sticker paper, or photo paper.

Computer Stations and Tablets

Studio 304 has a total of eight computers that patrons can use. Among these are a 27-inch Apple iMac desktop and a Windows Surface Studio desktop. Between these two computers, patrons have the option to use software like the Adobe Creative Cloud, Godot, Blender, Freecad, DaVinci Resolve, iMovie, Garageband, Audacity, and Krita. They also can use the Windows Surface Studio desktop to draw images with a stylus. Several 4th-gen iPad Pros, each with its own Apple Pencils, are available for patrons interested in using apps like Nomad Sculpt, Procreate, and FlipaClip as well.

Fabrication Equipment

Studio 304 features two Prusa 3D printers, one an MK3S and one an MK4S. Patrons can email their 3D model files to the Studio 304 staff in advance so that each project’s total cost and runtime can be determined in advance. Studio 304 also features a laser engraver that patrons can use to engrave stone or wood or even cut out slot-together model pieces. Patrons can additionally use Studio 304’s Carvey computer numerical control (CNC) machine, a device that uses a spinning drill bit to carve pre-programmed designs into materials like wood, plastic, and soft metals. Studio 304 visitors typically use the Carvey to create signs. For safety purposes, Studio 304 staff members operate all four of these machines on patrons’ behalf.

Free Expert Consultation

While the Studio 304 staff does not design or complete entire projects for Studio 304 patrons, they are ready and willing to offer suggestions and guidance whenever possible. As librarians who have backgrounds in visual art, they are well-equipped to recommend the proper software for a patron’s needs, regardless of the patron’s skill level or knowledge. This may entail instructing them in the use of a particular device, or direct them to one of the many learning resources that SJCPL has at its disposal, such as LinkedIn Learning courses.

“The whole purpose of a public library is to level the playing field by providing everyone with free access to new ideas and perspectives,” said Daniel Lichty, senior communications manager at SJCPL. “This applies to access to digital tools and services as well. Area creatives and other individuals need access to not only the tools and services that studio 304 offers, but also a place where they can express themselves. As technology evolves, so do the things that people are interested in and want to be involved with. SJCPL is responsible for adjusting to those needs and I think Studio 304 is a great example of its ability to do so.”

You can learn more about Studio 304 and St. Joseph County Public Library’s other features and services by visiting sjcpl.org.