Idea Lab Logo that says experience, explore, evolve

What are idea labs?

idea labs at the Martin County Library System connect people with new and emerging technology, learning opportunities, and each other. Our labs are spaces to learn, create, and connect through self-guided exploration, hands-on learning, and hosted programs.

Unlock your creativity and bring your ideas to life with a range of high-tech equipment and tools you can use to help you turn your dreams into reality – simply by having a library card!

Check out our available tech and FAQs below to learn more!

See it... Make it!

3D Printer

Submit your 3D print request and watch it come to life.

Button Maker

Create buttons that can be made into pins, magnets, keychains, and more.

Cricut

A Cricut Maker is a cutting machine that cuts hundreds of materials.

Digitization Equipment

A variety of digitization equipment to help you preserve your memories!

Driving Simulator

Learn to drive! Practice using the driving simulator for ages 15+

Flight Simulator

Fly an airplane and learn the basic fundamentals of flight! For ages 10+

Glowforge Laser Cutter

Cuts and engraves designs into materials like leather, wood, or acrylic.

Sewing/Embroidery

We have sewing and embroidery machines to use at the library!

Silhouette

A digital craft device used to cut custom vinyl stickers, cards, heat transfer designs, and more.

Studios

The library's studios offer a set of tools and software to support your audio and video projects.

Video Gaming

The library offers gaming events and provides videogame consoles for use while in the library.

Suggest Equipment

Don't see what you're looking for? Share your questions, comments, or suggestions for our idea labs!

Equipment organized by location

Stuart
Village of Indiantown
Hobe Sound
Jensen Beach
Palm City
South Stuart

Text (ID: 11177)

Blake Library:

  • iMac with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, etc.)
  • Private Studio with iMac, Blue Yeti microphone, and MIDI keyboard. (Available by reservation for up to 3 hours.) 
  • Lego™ Wall
  • Microfilm Scanner
  • DIY/Makerspace
    • Sewing & Embroidery Machine
    • Cricut Maker 3
    • Ellison Die Cut
    • 2.25" Button Maker
    • 3D Printer
    • Glowforge laser cutter and engraver
  • idea {memory} lab, including:
    • VHS tape to DVD Converter
    • VHS tape to MP4
    • Audio Cassette Tape to MP3 Converter
    • Vinyl Record to MP3 Converter

Text (ID: 11178)

Elisabeth Lahti Library:

  • iMac with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, etc.)
  • Multimedia PC with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, etc.) *for Teens!
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PlayStation 5 *for Teens!
  • Xbox Series X *for Teens!
  • Silhouette Cameo 4
  • Driving Simulator

Text (ID: 11179)

Hobe Sound Public Library:

  • iMac with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, etc.)
  • 2.25" Button Maker
  • Nintendo Switch *for Teens!
  • Cricut Maker

Text (ID: 11180)

Hoke Library:

  • iMac with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, etc.)
  • Cricut Maker with Easy Press 2 for iron-on vinyl projects
  • Amazon Echo
  • Google Home
  • Nintendo Switch *for Teens!

Text (ID: 11181)

Peter & Julie Cummings Library:

  • iMac with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, etc.)
  • Private Studio with iMac, Blue Yeti microphone, MIDI keyboard. (Available by reservation for up to 3 hours.) 
  • DIY/Makerspace
    • Sewing and Embroidery Machines
    • Silhouette Cameo 2 and Cameo 4
    • Glowforge laser cutter and engraver
  • Nintendo Switch *for Teens!

Text (ID: 11182)

Robert Morgade:

  • iMac with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom, etc.)
  • Gaming PC with Adobe Creative Cloud and pre-installed games including Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, World of Warcraft, Guild Wars 2, and Minecraft
  • Gaming consoles
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Xbox Series X
    • PlayStation 4
    • PlayStation 5 *for Teens
  • Flight Simulator with X-Plane 11 Professional
  • 2.25" Button Maker
  • Cricut Maker

idea lab FAQs

idea labs are available anytime the library is open, except when a library event is scheduled in the space. Check our branch hours, as well as our tech class calendar and idea lab class calendar for times when we can provide assistance for your digital projects.

These spaces are for everyone! Some spaces or equipment may have age and capacity limits due to the content or availability of tools. Be sure to read the equipment descriptions or ask a staff member for details before attending.

Most idea lab equipment is available on a first come, first served basis and can be used for up to 3 hours. 

We have a limited quantity of materials, such as thread, fabric, vinyl, and cardstock. This material is designed for learning and/or practicing. If you’re working on a project that requires specific materials, you will want to bring your own. If you're not sure what to bring, just ask!

We'll help get you started! Because the idea labs give our local community access to explore and discover technology, most of the equipment is self-service. But if you're not sure where to begin, just ask!

If you're interested in taking a formal class, check out our we teach tech page. Also, don't forget to check out LinkedIn Learning for more advanced and specialized on-demand learning opportunities.

Yes! See a list of available equipment through our take home tech program. Equipment is available for a 14-day checkout and requires signing a one-time Equipment Borrowing Agreement. You can place holds on equipment and pick up at your local branch through our online catalog, just like you would for a library book.

Get Tech Help

We Teach Tech

Check out upcoming tech classes and programs at the Martin County library.

1:1 Tech Info

 Free one-on-one Tech Time appointments to help you with technology-related questions!

Take Home Tech

Tech devices, computers, tablets, cameras, and more, available for checkout!