Creative Learning spaces and equipment policy

August 2026

Policy Statement

Multnomah County Library is committed to providing training and access to technology that may not be widely available to everyone. To support this, the library offers Creative Learning spaces, programs, materials and equipment. By offering access to creative technologies such as 3D printers, laser cutters, and other Creative Learning equipment, the library empowers creative learning and supports success in a digital world. 

This policy is specific to the Creative Learning spaces and equipment and does not apply to the Audiovisual Studio and the equipment available in that space. The Audiovisual Studio has a separate policy. 

Access and Use Limitations

The library’s Creative Learning spaces and equipment are available to the public to design and make objects, including both digital and physical creations using software or speciality equipment. Users of the Creative Learning spaces and equipment must follow the rules below and adhere to the Safety Rules and Creative Learning User Agreement as well as the library rules and any other library policies. 

Creative Learning spaces are collaborative learning environments that provide access to innovative technology, equipment, software and supportive mentors. Access to Creative Learning spaces is limited to drop-in sessions and workshops.  

The library has two dedicated Creative Learning spaces: 

• Rockwood Library: Rockwood Makerspace
• East County Library: Creative Learning Room

Select Creative Learning equipment is available at various locations. The equipment is for use only during library events and programs. Visit the online Events and Classes calendar for Creative Learning events and programs at the library.

Rules governing use of Creative Learning spaces and equipment

To allow for a welcoming and creative experience for all using the Creative Learning spaces and equipment, patrons must follow the rules below as well as show respect for other patrons, staff, and other people’s projects and property. 

• Consistent with library policy, children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a responsible person who attends to the child’s needs.
• Patrons may only use the Creative Learning equipment with the assistance of designated library staff, volunteers or presenters.
• Patrons must complete any required training or equipment overview and safety instructions, and sign the User Agreement, before using Creative Learning equipment. For children under the age of 10, the responsible person accompanying the child will be required to sign the User Agreement.
• Library patrons are prohibited from using the library’s Creative Learning equipment to create material that is:     
  • Prohibited by local, state or federal law, including:
    • material that violates laws or regulations regarding accessing, viewing, printing and distributing obscenity or child pornography
    • material where the user intentionally subjects another person to alarm by conveying a written threat to inflict serious physical injury on that person that does, and reasonably would be expected to, cause actual fear in the person.
    • material that violates another’s intellectual property rights, including copyright, patent, or trademark
  • Drug paraphernalia and weapons or parts of weapons, including guns and gun parts. 
  • In violation of the software terms of use for the Creative Learning equipment. For example, the 3D printers shall not be used to reproduce material that is subject to copyright, patent, trademark or trade secret protection. For software policies, please see the “Third party vendor” section in the Privacy and confidentiality of patron records policy.
  • Commercial in nature, meaning, created for the purpose of being sold or otherwise used to make money. Prototyping and experimenting with designs is allowable within the limits of access to equipment and materials.

Expectations for access and use of Creative Learning spaces and equipment

• The Library reserves the right to refuse projects or use of equipment that is in violation of this policy, the library rules, and any other library policies. 
• Items created with Creative Learning equipment in dedicated Creative Learning spaces that are not complete at the end of the program may be held at the location for later pickup (patrons will need to provide their name and contact information at the time of creation, and staff will notify them when the item is ready for pickup). Any items that are not picked up within 30 days after the program will be considered abandoned, and the patron waives all property rights in the created object; in that case the library will dispose of the created object.
• The library will not store design files for patrons.  
• Patrons may be charged a fee or replacement cost for any intentional damage to the Creative Learning spaces or equipment.
• The library’s Creative Learning equipment is intended for educational, entertainment and prototyping purposes. Assistance with the use of the Creative Learning equipment by library staff does not constitute knowledge, or acknowledgement, of any final use of the objects created with the equipment. Once in possession by the patron, the library expressly disclaims any and all personal injury or property damage caused by use or misuse of any items created using Creative Learning equipment.
• Failure to comply with the rules will result in a warning or exclusion from library premises according to library rules. Users may appeal this loss of privileges to the Library Director by following the library’s appeals process.

Cost and materials: 

Use of the Creative Learning equipment at the library is currently free. 

• Due to limited supplies that are provided by the library and to limit waste of materials, the library may limit the number of items that can be created during drop-in sessions or workshops.
• Patrons may use their own materials, but the number of projects may be limited due to the availability and demand for the equipment during the session. All materials must be approved by staff for use and will be evaluated based on compatibility with equipment, safety needs and logistical considerations.  

Equipment information and limitations:

Due to demands for use of the equipment and process time, use of equipment or completion of the project is not guaranteed. 

Materials brought in by patrons will be reviewed by staff for compatibility with the equipment, safety needs and logistical considerations and may not be approved for use.

3D Printer 

• Maximum time for a 3D print may vary by location and is dependent upon the complexity of the job, including size and infill density. Other limits on whether an object can be printed may be determined by library staff based on factors including the number of people waiting to use the equipment, capacity of the machine, length of the program and the ability to run the machine after the program.
• PLA, Strong PLA, Breakaway support and PVA (water soluble) is used in the 3D printers at our Rockwood Makerspace. At other locations, the 3D printers only use PLA. 
• 3D print files must be in .stl or .obj format, which is the format needed for the slicing software. 
• Colors are subject to availability.  
• If you would like the same object printed more than once, you must submit each print as a separate request. 

Laser Cutters 

• Materials provided by the library in dedicated spaces are limited to one sheet per program. Unlimited use of scraps. 

Craft Cutters

• Paper cuts, vinyl stickers or heat transfer vinyl using materials provided by the library are limited to 1 sheet per program. Unlimited use of scraps. 

Sewing Machines and Sergers

• Use of the sewing machines and sergers are limited to 1 project per program. 

Tabletop Heat Press

• Limit of 1 t-shirt per session. Patrons may bring in their own t-shirts, tote bags or other fabric, but will only be allowed to print additional items after others in the session have completed their prints. 
• Patrons can provide their own full-color print or create a design on site with the craft cutter.