Union County Library is proud to offer makerspace areas for you to explore, create, and learn in our STEAM Labs!

When visiting a library location, you can spot our STEAM Lab by finding this sign! STEAM Labs are open during normal library hours excluding scheduled programming or visits.

- Main Library in Monroe

- Southwest Library in Waxhaw

If you are curious and want to learn more about our STEAM Lab makerspaces, visit during one of our STEAM Saturdays! STEAM Saturdays feature different tools and activities to learn and explore. Come in and work on your STEAM projects too!

STEAM Saturdays hours vary by library locations.

The library offers one-on-one or group opportunities for appointments in a STEAM Lab makerspace. Please be sure to read all guidelines and information before requesting your appointment.

STEAM Appointment Types

• STEAM Overview Appointment: 
  Participate in an activity led by makerspace staff that incorporates the STEAM strands and provides an overview of our STEAM Services.
  
• STEAM Tool Introduction Appointment: A first time introduction to a single STEAM tool. Limit of 1 project per STEAM Tool Introduction appointment. Bringing your own supplies is encouraged. Chat with makerspace staff about what you will need before your appointment.
  
• STEAM Project Appointment: Request a time to use a STEAM tool you are familiar and comfortable with using with limited staff assistance. Staff are on hand to assist if needed but this appointment is designed for those who are already familiar with using a specific tool. Limit of 1 project per STEAM Project appointment. Bringing your own supplies is required.

Please make sure you request the appointment type to meet your needs. Not sure which appointment type is best for you? Call 704-283-8184 or email teens@unioncountync.gov to assist you.

STEAM Appointment Availability

Appointments are available Tuesday-Friday for 45-minute sessions based on makerspace and staff availability.

• 11 - 11:45 a.m.
• 2 - 2:45 p.m.
• 5 - 5:45 p.m. (excluding Fridays)

Please note that the library closes at 5 p.m. on Fridays so evening appointments are unavailable on that day.

The Library reserves the right to limit group visits during peak season, especially in summer, in order to have quality programs and equitable access for all interested organizations.

Age Level & Makerspace Capacity Guidelines

Age Leveling: At this time, STEAM group visits are available for the following: Grades 3-5; Middle School; High School; Adults; Seniors.

Children under the age of 8 must attend a session with a parent or guardian. Appointments for children must be requested using the parent/guardians name and library card number.

The maximum number for a STEAM group visit at the Main Library is 12 for the Southwest Library the maximum number is 16. This includes any caregivers or chaperones. The Library suggests one adult chaperone per 10 youth.

STEAM Tools

Different library locations have different STEAM tools available to learn about and use.

Some STEAM tools are better suited for different age levels. Please be sure to chat with a library staff member about what tools would best be suited before requesting your appointment.

STEAM Project Supplies & Project Expectations

Appointment attendees are asked to bring their own supplies for the project type they are interested in working on. The library has limited supplies available and may not have what you need for your desired result.

Chat with makerspace staff about what you will need before your appointment.

While we strive to produce high-quality products, we cannot guarantee that every item will meet the same level of quality due to the nature of our makerspace environment and the variability in individual production processes.

Requesting a STEAM Appointment

Below are some things to keep in mind when requesting your appointment.

• Completing the form is only a request.
• All requests require a Union County library card in good standing and appointments must be booked in the name of the cardholder. Appointments for children must be requested using the parent/guardians name and library card number.
• Please make sure you request the appointment type to meet your needs. If you are unsure of which appointment is best for you, contact the library for staff assistance.
• Please note that depending on the STEAM tools, interests, age level of those attending, and project type that you are working on at the library, we may only be able to offer limited assistance.
• Makerspace staff will reach out to you soon after completing your request to go over the details of your request. Please respond within 72 hours of being contacted by makerspace staff to ensure your needs are met during your STEAM Lab appointment.
• Those who do not respond within 72 hours of being contacted by makerspace staff will forfeit their appointment and will be required to sign up for another session.
• Those who are 15 or more minutes late to an appointment or are a no call, no show will forfeit their appointment and will be required to sign up for another session. You can always call the library at 704-283-8184 if you are running behind for your appointment.

 If you have intermediate to expert experience, your needs may fall outside the scope of the library's STEAM Appointments. We are happy to assist you with researching STEAM specialists in the local area.

All appointment requests must be made a minimum of 2 weeks in advance, 1 month is preferred.

You can request your STEAM appointment here.

Please note: STEAM appointments are for STEAM Services only. If you are looking for general tech assistance, please explore our 1-1 Tech Appointments. Signing up for a visit does not mean it can be accommodated. A library staff member will contact you with any follow up questions or to confirm your visit.

The library offers 3D printing services to Union County Library card holders.

3D Printing Options

• STEAM Appointment
  

Please review our STEAM appointment section on the STEAM Services page for more information on booking a one-on-one appointment to learn about 3D printing at the library. 

• Online Submissions

The Library accepts online submissions of designs for 3D printing that adhere to the parameters listed below. 

• Read and review the Library's 3D Printing Policy.
• Design must be submitted in the proper digital format: .stl, .obj, 3mf and must be no larger than 25 MB.
• Only one design may be submitted per week. Quantities to be determined by staff, supplies and machine availability.
• When applicable, have consulted with designated staff about design.
• 3D prints will be completed after the initial request in the order in which they are received.
• Once designs are completed, patrons will be notified by phone or email. Patrons have 2 weeks to pick up their order. After 2 weeks, the print becomes the property of the library and may be discarded. Any requestor that does not pick up their print may forfeit future use of the 3D printer.

Please submit your 3D designs here. 

Please note that submitting your design does not mean your design has been approved for printing. A library staff member will contact you with any follow up questions or to confirm your print.

If you have questions or require further assistance, please contact 704-283-8184 ext. 5227 for the Main Library or 704-283-8184 ext. 5251 for the Southwest Library.

• 3D Printing & Modeling Orientation Classes

If interested, community members can complete a free, one-hour training course at a STEAM Lab location.

• Class offerings will be promoted and posted on a monthly basis. Check the library's event page for classes.
  
• Registration will be required as space is limited. The maximum number of attendees per class is 10.
• Children age 8 or under must attend the class with a parent or guardian.
  
  

3D Printing Policy Revised September 2023

UCL PLA Filament Color Options

Check out some Frequently Asked Questions below!

Q: Why does the library focus on STEAM instead of STEM?

A: STEAM includes the Arts which encourages individuals to explore and apply their creativity through all the traditional strands of STEM.

Q: What STEAM tools does the Library have?

A:We have lots of neat technology in our STEAM holdings including a 3D printer, stop motion animation kits, textile crafting machines (Cricut, Silhouette), video and audio recording/editing tools, sewing and embroidery machines, robots, engineering circuit kits, coding computers and equipment, and more! The Library evaluates and adds new pieces to our STEAM technology collection as needed.

Q: What can I do at the Library with STEAM Services?

A: You can attend specialized programs and clubs, drop-in and experiment in a STEAM Lab, be trained on STEAM tools, design and create your own project, and more! Check out some of our service highlights on the STEAM Services page for more in depth coverage on some of our specialized services.

Q: When are STEAM Lab makerspaces open?
A: STEAM Labs are open during normal library hours excluding scheduled programming or visits so feel free to stop by and chat with library or makerspace staff about what programs we have planned and how to use the space for your needs!

Q: Why are the STEAM appointments only offered on limited days and times?

A: STEAM appointments are offered based off of current staff availability, scheduled programming, and STEAM Lab use by library staff.

Q: Why do I have to bring my own materials to use STEAM tools?

A: Each project and quantity is different, so patrons should plan to purchase their own supplies for their projects. STEAM Lab makerspaces have limited amounts of materials available and are unable to accommodate the high volume of materials needed to complete your project.

Q: Can I check out any of the STEAM tools?

A: At this time, STEAM tools are only for staff use or during programs. Be sure to be on the look out for programs or request a STEAM appointment to learn and use our STEAM tools!

Q: Why are STEAM visits and appointments only onsite at a library location?

A: The library encourages our community members to make their day at the library and the best way to do that is to facilitate STEAM visits in our dedicated makerspaces and library locations with STEAM tools.