Make your dream project at the Brookfield Public Library!

Brookfield Public Library has a variety of technology available for your use. Read on for details about our machines and how you can utilize them for your DIY projects.

3D Printing

Thanks to grant funding, the Library now boasts two 3D printers: the Prusa MK3S and the Monoprice Select Mini V2. The 3D printers will be used to continue the Library's mission of providing materials, programs, and services that enrich the lives of residents of all ages.

While 3D printing is not a new technology, it is only in recent years that 3D printers have been made available for general public use. Now any designer, from amateur to professional, can take designs they have created or downloaded from the Internet and create a three-dimensional object. The Library's 3D printers use a corn-based filament called PLA to create objects or "things." Although the Prusa and Monoprice printers are very advanced, it is limited in what it can create; for example, it cannot replicate a working gun.

The Library offers 3D-related programming for all ages. Click here for the schedule of Library programs. To begin designing 3D images, check out the following web-based 3D modeling programs: tinkercad.com or 3Dtin.com, or get inspired from thousands of free designs on thingiverse.com.

To request a 3D print, please email your .stl file to reference@brookfieldlibrary.info. Include your top three desired colors for your print - click here to see a list of colors currently available. The Library charges .25 cents per half hour your print time takes, and we will contact you before printing to confirm the estimated printing cost. Please allow 1-2 weeks for the object to get printed - the Library will contact you when your object is ready to be picked up. If you have any questions regarding the 3D printer, please email us at reference@brookfieldlibrary.info.

3D Carving

3D Carving is a subtractive technology that combines a router with modern software. The Library's carver is called the Carvey, and was donated by the company Inventables. It can carve various woods, plastics, acrylics, aluminum, and more.

You can design your files using Inventables' free, cloud-based software Easel, or another design software. The Library will carve your design. You can share your Easel file or .SVG file to reference@brookfieldlibrary.info.

Digital Conversion Station

At the digital conversion station, members will be able to convert home movies on VHS to a DVD or digital file, files on DVD to a digital file, or cassette tapes to MP3. The station is equipped with a VHS/DVD recorder, a Canopus ADVC 110 converter, an external 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, and a 126KPK Super 8 slides and negatives scanner, as well as software such as Windows Movie Maker, WonderShare, Audacity and CyberLink software.

The Digital Conversion Station is currently unavailable during the Library's Appointment phase of service.

Laser Cutting

Our newest maker machine is the GlowForge Laser Cutter. The GlowForge can cut customized designs into a variety of materials. 

To request an appointment with our GlowForge, please call us at (708) 485-6917 or e-mail our reference desk at reference@brookfieldlibrary.info to make an appointment. The GlowForge is a staff-operated machine, but we do ask that members remain in the Library while the laser is in use. Appointments are typically available between 1 and 4 pm daily (schedule may vary). Please note that we may refuse any print jobs that will take more than 1 hour due to the current health environment.

Send your customized files to reference@brookfieldlibrary.info. Files must be either: hand-drawn artwork or handwritten words in a single dark color; a vector file; or a black and white image that we will convert into a vector file.

Before bringing your materials to the Library, please ensure that your material is approved for use with a GlowForge Laser Cutter. We will verify any materials are safe for use before processing your request. Please visit www.glowforge.com to view approved materials and project ideas, and https://glowforge.com/faq/materials-and-uses for questions about specific materials and uses.

Recommended materials include:

  • Wood, including cutting boards
  • Acrylic
  • Paper
  • Cardboard
  • Leather
  • Glass (flat surface only)
  • Tile (such as slate)
  • EVA foam
  • Draft board
  • Fabrics

Materials we cannot cut include:

  • Painted or treated materials
  • Plastics (other than acrylic)
  • Food products
  • Electronics
  • Mirrors or reflective surfaces
  • Artificial leather
  • Any material containing chlorine
  • Metal

We highly recommend that members bring extra material; laser printing often involves trial and error to achieve the desired result. The Library is not responsible for any material that is damaged or destroyed, nor any project that does not turn out as expected.