Spaces

Merri-bek Libraries Makerspace

Merri-bek City Libraries have makerspaces at our Brunswick, Coburg and Glenroy libraries.

A Makerspace is a creative studio space where the community can come together to create, connect and learn.

Our Makerspaces have a range of equipment including 3D printers, sewing machines and overlockers.

Getting started in the Makerspace 

  • Use of the Makerspace is free! You just need to be a library member and aged 15 or older. 

    To become a Maker you must complete a safety induction with a library staff member.  

    Once you’re a Maker, you will be able to make bookings and use the equipment. 

  • We have a range of equipment in the Makerspaces:

    • Janome 721 sewing machines
    • Janome 644D overlockers
    • Circular Knitting Looms
    • Ultimaker 2+ 3D printers
    • Korg Volca Modular Micro-Modular Synthesizer
    • Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for Smart Phones with Lightning Connector
    • Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools and Ableton Live (Gen 2)
    • Dell laptop
    • Makey Makey Kits
    • Fume hood and wet area (Coburg Library) 

    Our collection of equipment is always growing to include new technology and creative practices. 

  • The Makerspaces are open for use of the space and equipment during the drop-in hours below. If you wish to use the spaces outside of these hours please contact us at librarymakerspace@merri-bek.vic.gov.au.

    Space and equipment are limited. All Makerspaces users need to complete a safety induction with staff before accessing the equipment.

    Brunswick Library Makerspace Drop-In times

    • Monday           9am – 1pm
    • Tuesday          5pm – 7:45pm
    • Wednesday     9am – 1pm
    • Thursday         5pm – 7:45pm
    • Friday              1pm – 5:45pm
    • Saturday          1pm – 3:45pm
    • Sunday            1pm – 4:45pm

    Coburg Library Makerspace Drop-In times

    • Monday           9am – 1pm
    • Tuesday          3pm – 7:45pm
    • Wednesday     9am – 1pm
    • Thursday         3pm – 7:45pm
    • Friday              9am – 1pm
    • Saturday          1pm – 3:45pm
    • Sunday            1pm – 4:45pm

    Glenroy Library Makerspace Drop-In times

    • Monday           9am – 1pm
    • Tuesday          3pm – 7:45pm
    • Wednesday     3pm – 7:45pm
    • Thursday         4pm – 9pm
    • Friday              9am – 1pm
    • Saturday          12pm – 3:45pm

  • Library staff will not be able to teach you how to use equipment during drop-in hours. The induction will cover safety aspects only. 

    There will be workshops and events where you can learn to use the equipment in Makerspace. 

    Online tutorials created by the manufacturers and other organisations are useful in becoming familiar with the functions of the equipment.  These include:

     

  • Everyone who uses equipment in the makerspace needs to have completed the safety induction. 

    Guests are welcome in the space, but must follow all safety advice. 

    If you are under 15 and would like to use the makerspace, we suggest asking your guarantor  to become a Maker, and you can accompany them.

  • For questions and bookings in the makerspace email:

    Librarymakerspace@moreland.vic.gov.au or call 9353 4000

     

Hands-on crafts at home

Cant make it into the Makerspace? Why not try these craft activities at home. 

Digital Design

Learn the basics of 3D printing and design with these fun tools. 

Mind Corner

Solve a puzzle or colour in some cute creatures of the Merri Merri. 

Studio and Jam Room at Glenroy Community Hub

The Studio and Jam Room are two exciting spaces where the community can work on audio-visual creative projects!

The Studio has all the equipment you need to record your music, podcasts, or other sound projects that require recording, editing, and mastering.

The Jam Room can be booked for things like rehearsals, workshops, etc.

    1. Please fill out the enquiry form to book an Induction Session. During the Induction Session we will show you how to use the space and equipment safely.
      Please Note – If you are under 18, a responsible adult/ guardian must accompany you whilst using studio and Jam Room facilities
    2. We will then contact you to book your Induction. This will generally take place on Wednesdays between 10 am and 4 pm however, there is the potential capacity to be inducted at another time after discussion.
    3. If you’re not already a Library Member, you’ll need to become one. It is free to join the Library. This can be done online beforehand or on the day of your induction at Glenroy Library.
    4. After you have attended your induction session, contact Nik by email at NOogjes@merri-bek.vic.gov.au to book a time to use the space.

  • The Studio and Jam Room are only available for use during Glenroy Library’s opening hours.

    These are:

    • Mondays, 9am - 8pm
    • Tuesdays, 9am – 8pm
    • Wednesdays, 9am – 8pm
    • Thursdays, 9am – 10pm
    • Fridays, 9am – 6pm
    • Saturdays, 9am – 4pm
    • Sundays, 1pm - 5pm
    • Our Mixing desk setup has all you need to record your projects!
    • Our Music Control Room has a Soundcraft Signature MTK 22 mixing desk with 14 tracks available to record on, an Avid Eleven effects rack, a DBX 2-Channel Compressor/Gater, Yamaha HS5 monitors, running Logic Pro on Mac.
    • Our Midi/Podcasting station has an Arturia Keylab 61 keyboard, a RØDE RødeCaster Pro podcast console, with Ableton Mac. 
    • We also have a Roland Gaia synth, A Roland Digital Drumkit, Acoustic and Electric guitars, Headphones, Microphones (vocal, instrumental, and podcasting), and plenty of stands, mounts, and cables (XLR and ¼ inch leads). 
    • If you have your own instrument, you are welcome to bring it in during your session too.

  • During your induction, we will give you a tour of all equipment and areas in the studio. We can briefly introduce the basics of each program if you are new to them.

    However, the Studio and Jam Room are designed to be used self-sufficiently by members of the public. We won’t be offering one-on-one tutorials.

    As such, we encourage all users of the space to read and/or watch tutorials and guides on the equipment and programs you would like to use (either at home, or on the many Public PC’s we have at the Library)!

  • Yes, as long as one or more of you have been officially inducted into the spaces. If anyone is under 18, there must be an adult amongst the group.

    Please note: If you accompany someone into the studio who has already been inducted, you will still need to have an induction session if you would like to make a booking for yourself at a later date.

    We are able to induct multiple people at once if you plan on using the spaces as a group.

  • Questions about the space can be emailed to
    Nik at NOogjes@merri-bek.vic.gov.au and
    Adelaide Ajones@merri-bek.vic.gov.au

    Bookings (after your induction) can be made by contacting Nik at NOogjes@merri-bek.vic.gov.au