CreatorSpace
What is a CreatorSpace?
Our CreatorSpace is a room for adults and young adults ages 10+ to explore arts, crafts, and technology. Learn how to sew, explore the joys of paper quilling, or rediscover your knack for wood burning. The CreatorSpace is just one more way the Library helps you Explore, Discover, and Connect.
Use the Space
Our CreatorSpace is on the lower level of the library. It is open to individuals age 10 through adult.
- Read Our Policy
Our Policy lays out the rules and regulations for use of the space. We recommend reading it before coming in to register. - Get your free CreatorSpace Membership
Your CreatorSpace card is your pass to the CreatorSpace! Register for free the first time you visit (Creators ages 10-17 require an in-person parental signature). - Select a Workshop or Drop-In Craft Hour
View our Calendar to see Workshops and Drop-In Craft Hours. The Space is only open when there is a Space Staffer on site, so check our Calendar and plan accordingly! - Visit the Space
Stop by the Reference Desk to get your card each time you visit. Your card will stay at the library for safekeeping between visits.
Drop-In Craft Hours
Join us for Drop-In Craft Hours to work independently on your own project. Drop in for ten minutes or a few hours to use our tools to work on a project. A trained CreatorSpace Staffer will be on hand to answer basic questions and facilitate access to certain equipment. Not all Staffers will be experts at all craft types. If you anticipate needing assistance, look for an Drop-In Craft Hour with a Staffer who matches your needs.
Workshops
Join us for a Workshop to learn a new skill and complete a project together with other learners. Workshops are led by librarians, CreatorSpace Staffers, or professional artists and feature small projects designed to teach skills. Workshops require registration, and have a firm start time.
Some Workshops may have additional requirements or restrictions for safety.
Use Our Stuff:
Donate to the Space
We take donations to keep our free materials stocked! Please note the restrictions below:
Donations must be brought in during Drop-In Craft Hours. We cannot accept donations at other times. Donations will be assessed before acceptance. We cannot guarantee that we will take your materials. We cannot dispose of items that we cannot accept.
- Fabric and Yarn – Only fiber materials that are clean, harbor no smells, and big enough to contribute meaningfully to a project. Scraps below a certain size may not be accepted.
- Paper and cardstock – Must be mostly full sheets. We cannot accept excessive scraps.
- Pens, markers, crayons, and colored pencils – must still have good life in them.
- Jewelry beads, wire, etc – must be clean, reasonably well sorted, and unscratched/damaged. Overly kinked wire or scratched glass beads will not be accepted.
- Other types of items: email our CreatorSpace coordinator at dwolber@hopkintonma.gov for inquiries about donating other types of items, tools/equipment, or materials not listed here. Materials may still have to be assessed in person before we can accept them.
We take cash donations as well! If you value the Space and would like to contribute some money to keep us running, please do so at the Circulation Desk on the main floor. For donations over $100, please email the Library Director at nhill@hopkintonma.gov.
Frequently asked Questions
Got a question? We got an answer!
My kid is 9. Can they participate?
No. Due to safety concerns, we have to be firm on the age limit. Fudging your kid’s age a bit to sign them up for the CreatorSpace is a violation of our CreatorSpace Policy and grounds for your access and your kid’s access to the CreatorSpace to be suspended or terminated.
I already know how to use this tool! Do I really need to go through the mandatory training for it?
Basic tools like craft knives, drawing and painting utensils, and pliers do not require training.
If you’re a pro sewer or have been wood burning for years, we do still need you to do a short training to prove your chops. We won’t bore you with a 30-minute lecture if you’re able to deftly thread our serger, but many of these items are quite expensive or can do a fair bit of damage if you’ve never used one before. Please have patience with us and remember we’re just making sure everyone is safe!
Can I bring my own equipment or material?
Yes. However, per our CreatorSpace Policy, our CreatorSpace Staffer can deny the use of equipment or materials if they believe that it will damage our equipment, or if they believe it may be unsafe for other users.
For example, our Cricut is able to cut certain thin fabrics and cardstock, but may be damaged by trying to cut thicker fabrics, cardboard, or leather.
Can I volunteer in the CreatorSpace?
Yes! We welcome volunteers who want to help!
If you want to be a CreatorSpace Staffer, you will need to go through a rigorous training program and submit a CORI form. After training, you will help in the CreatorSpace at least two times per month at scheduled times. You must be over the age of 18 to be a Staffer.
If you want to assist in the CreatorSpace under the guidance of a Staffer, you will need to go through a short training program. If you are over the age of 18, you will need to submit a CORI form. After training, you will help in the CreatorSpace at least two times per month at scheduled times. You must be over the age of 14 to be an assistant.
Contact our CreatorSpace coordinator at dwolber@hopkintonma.gov for more information.
What are the CreatorSpace’s hours?
The CreatorSpace must have a trained CreatorSpace Staffer to be open for a Workshop or for Drop-In craft hours. Due to our Staffers’ schedules, hours may change week to week. Please check our Calendar to find hours.
Who keeps the CreatorSpace so tidy?
We all do! We ask that you completely clean up after yourself when you are done working on your project, including neatly putting away any tools you used, sorting and storing any leftover materials that are still good for use, and putting all of your scraps in a trash bin.
The CreatorSpace Staffer can help you access a vacuum, washcloth, or other cleaning supplies if you need to do a deeper clean before leaving.
Helping to keep the Space clean means that we can have the Space open more hours (time that our Staffers spend cleaning is time that the Space isn’t open for use); that tools and materials are easier for you to find and stay in good shape; and that we can invest in cool new tools and materials instead of paying for maintenance on old items that are damaged due to poor storage.
Failure to clean up after yourself may result in loss of CreatorSpace privileges.
Can I take this tool home?
No. The CreatorSpace is not part of our Library of Things. These items need to remain here so that everyone can use them.
Donors
Our thanks to the Hopkinton Public Library Foundation for the initial funding for the CreatorSpace.