What is ideaSPACE?
ideaSPACE is a new project by the Public Library of Brookline, generously sponsored by the Brookline Library Foundation, that’s designed to make Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) accessible and engaging to everyone in our community through classes, clubs, technology, and tools.
What do you have?
Check out our ideaSPACE Catalog below to see what you can borrow today, our upcoming events on our calendar, or send a question to an ideaSPACE staff member to get advice on a project you’re working on!
Have an idea too big for our circulating collection? Submit a fabrication request and our team will do the 3D printing or laser cutting for you – just pay the cost of materials used!
ideaSPACE Catalog
Button Maker
IN-LIBRARY USE ONLY, RENEWABLE | ALL LIBRARIES
Got something to say? Say it with a button! Our Button Makers can create 1.5″ buttons out of any printer weight paper. We just charge 25¢ per button to cover the cost of supplies, which must be paid in cash. Watch a step-by-step button making walkthrough with a member of our ideaSPACE Team.
Ready to borrow? This item is browse-only - visit the Library to see what we have on hand!
Cricut Explore
2-WEEK LOAN, RENEWABLE | COOLIDGE CORNER & PUTTERHAM
If you gave a robot an Xacto knife, you’d have a Cricut! Our Cricut Explore Machines connect to your smartphone or computer in minutes and can cut paper, vinyl, iron-on, and more into any design you can dream up. Watch a step-by-step Cricut Explore walkthrough with a member of our ideaSPACE Team.
Ready to borrow? Reserve this item by phone at 617-730-2370x3.
Cricut Explore 3
2-WEEK LOAN, RENEWABLE | ALL LIBRARIES
The updated Cricut Explore can cut not only paper and vinyl, but also fabric, leather, and wood, plus use a variety of extra tools available to borrow as part of our Cricut Specialty Kit. Watch a step-by-step Cricut walkthrough with a member of our ideaSPACE Team.
Ready to borrow? Reserve this item by phone at 617-730-2370x3.
Cricut Heat Press
IN-LIBRARY USE ONLY | BROOKLINE VILLAGE LIBRARY
Apply flawless iron-on designs in minutes with our 9″ x 9″ Cricut Easypress 2! Required butcher paper and heat transfer vinyl products are not included. Learn how to use Cricut heat press machines on the manufacturer’s website.
Ready to borrow? This item is browse-only - visit the Library to see what we have on hand!
Cricut Joy
2-WEEK LOAN, RENEWABLE | ALL LIBRARIES
Our Cricut Joys have all the paper, vinyl, and iron-on cutting power as our full-sized Cricuts jam-packed into a tiny 8″ x 4″ x 4″ tote bag, perfect for paper crafting on-the-go! Watch a step-by-step Cricut Joy walkthrough with a member of our ideaSPACE Team.
Ready to borrow? Reserve this item by phone at 617-730-2370x3.
Cricut Mug Press
IN-LIBRARY USE ONLY | BROOKLINE VILLAGE LIBRARY
Apply flawless infusible ink designs in minutes with our Cricut Mug Press! Required Infusible Ink products are not included. Learn how to use Cricut heat press machines on the manufacturer’s website.
Ready to borrow? This item is browse-only - visit the Library to see what we have on hand!
Crochet Hooks
4-WEEK LOAN, RENEWABLE | ALL LIBRARIES
Our Crochet Hook sets come in a pouch of 14 stainless steel hooks so you can experiment with the perfect size for your project – just add your own yarn!
Ready to borrow? Reserve this item by phone at 617-730-2370x3.
Engraver
2-WEEK LOAN, RENEWABLE | ALL LIBRARIES
Our Engravers are super-simple machines that can etch anything from wood to metal! Just plug them into a standard wall outlet, then use them to label your bicycle or carve a design in a cutting board – the possibilities are endless.
Ready to borrow? Reserve this item by phone at 617-730-2370x3.
Graphics Tablet
2-WEEK LOAN, RENEWABLE | ALL LIBRARIES
Our graphics tablets let you replace your mouse with a high-precision stylus and drawing pad to make digital illustration a breeze! Watch a step-by-step Graphics Tablet walkthrough with a member of our ideaSPACE Team.
Ready to borrow? Reserve this item by phone at 617-730-2370x3.
Knitting Needles
4-WEEK LOAN, RENEWABLE | ALL LIBRARIES
Our aluminum Knitting Needle sets come in pouches of three pairs of common sizes – US 6, 7, & 8 or US 8, 9, & 10 – so you can experiment with the perfect size for your project!
Ready to borrow? Reserve this item by phone at 617-730-2370x3.
Laser Cutter
IN-LIBRARY USE ONLY | BROOKLINE VILLAGE LIBRARY
Our Laser Cutter can cut and engrave custom designs in wood, acrylic, and more! Choose your material and submit a laser cutting design for our ideaSPACE Team to cut for you for the cost of materials (usually 25¢ per square inch). Interested but aren’t sure how to get started? Watch a step-by-step video walkthrough of creating a laser cutting design!
Memory Lab
IN-LIBRARY USE ONLY | BROOKLINE VILLAGE LIBRARY
Our Memory Lab is a dedicated computer at the Brookline Village Library equipped with the tools you need to convert your home audio and video into new formats, including cassette tapes, 8mm and Super 8 film, floppy disks, negatives, photos, slides, VHS tapes, and vinyl records. Just give us a call or chat with us to reserve the station for a three-hour time slot any time during our open hours. Want to get a feel for the tools available before you arrive? No problem! View our full Memory Lab Technical Specifications for make and model information and user manuals.
Ready to borrow? Reserve this item by phone at 617-730-2370x3.
Sewing Machine
2-WEEK LOAN, RENEWABLE | ALL LIBRARIES
Whether you’re brand new to sewing or an expert quilter, our Sewing Machines have all the features you need for your next project, including 60 stitches, 3 needle sizes, and 9 presser feet. Watch a step-by-step Sewing Machine walkthrough with a member of our ideaSPACE Team.
Ready to borrow? Reserve this item by phone at 617-730-2370x3.
Tool Library
2-WEEK LOAN, RENEWABLE | COOLIDGE CORNER LIBRARY
Have big DIY dreams but a somewhat less-big Brookline apartment? Save your space and a trip to the hardware store with this collection of over 50 hand and power tools, including screwdriver sets, drills, saws, ladders, and a lot more exclusively at our Coolidge Corner location! All tools in this collection require the completion of a safety waiver on checkout. Need more details before you place a hold? View detailed technical specifications for all our tools.
Toybox 3D Printer
2-WEEK LOAN, RENEWABLE | ALL LIBRARIES
Perfect for beginners, our Toybox 3D Printers can print projects up to 3.5 by 3.1 by 2.8 inches and come with 21′ of free PLA filament with each borrow. Watch a step-by-step 3D Printing walkthrough with a member of our ideaSPACE Team. Please note: the Toybox printers are controlled through a web browser or app and require an internet connection.
Have a bigger project in mind? Submit a 3D design and have our ideaSPACE Team print your design for you for the cost of the plastic used (25¢/gram).
Ready to borrow? Reserve this item by phone at 617-730-2370x3.
Voice Recorder
2-WEEK LOAN, RENEWABLE | ALL LIBRARIES
Recording lectures or interviewing your relatives for a family history project, our voice recorders offer ultra-portable, all-in-one audio recording, playback, and USB connection for transferring your files.
Ready to borrow? Reserve this item by phone at 617-730-2370x3.