Spaces
On this page:
Merri-bek Libraries Makerspaces
Merri-bek Libraries have Makerspaces at Brunswick, Coburg and Glenroy libraries. A Makerspace is a creative space where the community can come together to create, connect and learn.
All users of the Makerspace need to complete an induction with library staff, be a library member and be aged 15 or over. Library staff will not be able to teach you how to use equipment, the induction covers safety aspects only.
For questions and bookings of the Makerspaces email librarymakerspace@merri-bek.vic.gov.au or call Coburg Library on 9353 4000.
Drop-in times
The Makerspaces are used for library programs and drop-in sessions. Anyone can use the Makerspace during the nominated drop-in times to use the equipment or just have space to be creative.
-
- 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
-
- 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
-
- Monday 9am – 1pm
- Tuesday 3pm – 7:45pm
- Wednesday 3pm – 7:45pm
- Thursday 4pm – 9pm
- Friday 9am – 1pm
- Saturday 12pm – 3:45pm
Makerspace equipment
Equipment in the Makerspaces is available for everyone to use.
-
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.
-
Online tutorials created by the manufacturers and other organisations are useful in becoming familiar with the functions of the equipment. These include:
- Ultimaker 2+ Features Explained - Ultimaker: 3D Printing Guide YouTube video
- Ultimaker 2 3D Printing Workflow YouTube video
- Janome Machine Series: Part 1 Janome Sewist 721 YouTube video
- Janome MyLock 644D / 744D Overlocker Video YouTube video
- How To Use The Janome Memory Craft 500E The Basics YouTube video
- Cricut Design Space Help for Beginners: Part 1 - Tutorial of Design Space YouTube video
Digital Makerspace
Cant make it into the Makerspace? Why not try these activities at home.
-
Learn to crochet ‘ear savers’ for your face masks and stop your ears hurting! See instruction sheet for step-by-step instructions. For beginners, check out these introductory videos on how to crochet.
-
Learn how to make easy seed bombs to give as gifts or throw into your garden. They only use recycled paper, water, and seeds!
-
Try this mindful drawing activity and learn how using different kinds of lines can create truly unique artworks. Re-purpose an old book page and learn some coloured pencil techniques by following this tutorial to create a beautiful mandala like artwork. Suitable for beginners and children 6+ years.
-
This step by step tutorial will guide you through learning a basic principle of art: Tone.
The tone is the light and dark in a drawing, this tutorial will show you how it can be used to achieve depth and contrast by drawing a tree silhouetted in the moonlight. Suitable for absolute beginners and more experienced artists.
-
Meet some of the plants and animals of the Merri and Moonee Ponds creeks of Merri-bek through these colouring sheets. And learn how you can help them thrive!
-
Puzzle your brain with these jigsaws of Merri-bek.
- Merri-bek Libraries Local History puzzle collection – learn more about Merri-bek’s local history through these online jigsaw puzzles
- Merri Creek Management Committee jigsaw collection – Get to know the plants and animals of the Merri Creek through these jigsaw puzzles
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.
-
- 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 - 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.
- 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.
- After you have attended your induction session, contact Venessa by email at VPortaro@merri-bek.vic.gov.au to book a time to use the space.
- 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.
-
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
Vanessa VPortaro@merri-bek.vic.gov.au and
Adelaide Ajones@merri-bek.vic.gov.auBookings (after your induction) can be made by contacting Vanessa at vportaro@merri-bek.vic.gov.au