Studio M at the Monroe Township Public Library, is a maker lab dedicated to the discovery and implementation of popular and emergent technologies. Studio M provides library patrons with access to tools and hands-on learning opportunities, and is also open for informal exploration.
Studio M is open during normal library operating hours. Some aspects of the studio are only available with the assistance of trained staff and volunteers, or by appointment.
Four iMacs are available for use. Just use your library card to check out a keyboard and mouse at the Childrens Desk.
Software on the iMacs: (to be completed)
For more information, please contact Steve Hrubes at 732-521-5000, or shrubes@monroetwplibrary.org.
Studio M Offers:
- Digital Photography/Video Creation and Modification: Bring your own photos to scan and edit or use the green screen and cameras in Studio M to create new videos, pictures and art.
- Music Creation (no instrument required): Use an iMac, midi keyboard, and software to create your own music or collaborate with musicians online.
- Basic Arduino Programming: Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform. The Arduino Kits allow beginners to create and program electronic devices.
- 3D Design and Printing: Create and print 3D plastic prototypes, models or household items. Items are created from PLA filament, a renewable bioplastic.
Informational Flyers:
 How to Create Your Own T-Shirt |
| How to Play with Makey Makey |
| How to Use Garage Band |
| How to Make Buttons (template available in Word and pdf) |
For a schedule of classes/demos and activities, see our event calendar.
Click here for specific events.
Please Note:
- The Library does not have a photo quality printer. We suggest you edit your pictures and save them. Then take them to a store that does professional photo printing.
- For some services, you will need to bring your own supplies, such as iron on transfer paper, t-shirts and flash drives.
- Please ask a Library staff person if you have questions or concerns and plan ahead to guarantee success with your project!
Waivers:
| Liability Waiver |
| Minor Liability Waiver |
| Family Liability Waiver |
Studio M is funded by a bequest from Margaret C. Gryson, a gift from Penny and John North, The Friends of the Monroe Township Library and The Wells Fargo Bank.
3D Printing:
Studio M has a MakerBot Replicator+ available to have your 3D designs processed into physical objects.
Manufacturer specifics about the Replicator+ can be found here.
3D printed objects are composed of PLA plastic.
The file types the Makerbot Replicator+ recognizes are .stl and .obj.
The cost of 3D printing is $0.25 per 0.1 oz. An estimate will be given before your print is started.
Studio M has an assortment of PLA filament colors to choose from: Black, White, Red, Blue, Yellow, Green, Purple, Orange, Pink, Gold, Silver and Glow-in-the-Dark. Please note, at times, some colors are temporarily unavailable.
The 3D printer is run by trained staff and volunteers.
To schedule an appointment, inquire about 3D printer operating hours, or for more information, please contact Steve Hrubes at 732-521-5000, or shrubes@monroetwplibrary.org
3D Printing Policy for the Monroe Township Public Library
- The 3D Printer will only be operated by trained library staff and volunteers.
- Appointments are required. Same day printing cannot be guaranteed.
- An estimate of the final print cost and finish time will be provided before printing begins.
- The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D print request.
- The Library’s 3D printers will not be used to print out anything that is:
- Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
- Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
- A functioning weapon, or part of a weapon.
- Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment.
- Violates patent, copyright, trademark, or otherwise infringe upon the intellectual property of others.
- The patron making the 3D printing request is responsible for the cost of any successfully printed design they have provided. The patron requesting the 3D printing services of the library is responsible for the accuracy of the design they have provided.
- Only 3D printing filament provided by the library may be used.
- The total cost of any 3D printed design will include any support material needed to properly print out the provided file.
- The patron is not responsible for the cost of any misprints that occur due to mechanical failure of the library’s 3D printer.
A .pdf of the 3D Printing Policy is available here.
3D Design Resources:
Here’s a list of good resources to create your own 3D designs, or find an already existing design to meet your needs.
Button Making:
Studio M has a buttonmaker. The button size is 2.25” in diameter.
No appointment is necessary. Button making is available up until a half an hour before library closing time.
The cost of button making is $0.25 per button.
Instructional video:
For more information, please contact Steve Hrubes at 732-521-5000, or shrubes@monroetwplibrary.org.
T-Shirt Heat Press
Studio M has a T-shirt heat press to facilitate the creation of your own graphic design clothing.
You supply the t-shirt and transfer paper. 100% cotton fabric is recommended. Designs should be printed out on the transfer paper using an inkjet printer. Designs can be printed on the library’s inkjet printers if necessary.
To schedule an appointment, inquire about availability, or for more information, please contact Steve Hrubes at 732-521-5000, or shrubes@monroetwplibrary.org.
Photo/Slide/Negative Scanning
Studio M has a Canon scanner to scan your documents, photos, 35 mm negatives, and slides.
Do you have boxes of old photographs, negatives, and slides that you’d like to digitize and share with family and friends? Come to Studio M and start scanning today.
Volunteering
Studio M is now taking applications for volunteer positions.
Are you interested in technology? Would you like to learn how to use a 3D printer? Do you like helping other people? Apply today for a hands-on rewarding experience.
Volunteer form coming soon!
Applicants must be in high school or older.
Volunteers commit to a 1-2 hour weekly shift.
Photo/Video Editing
The iMacs in the studio have iMovie, iPhoto, and Adobe Photoshop Elements installed to assist you with your editing projects.
There is a Green Screen in the studio for special effect video recording.
Sewing Machines
The library has 6 sewing machines and offers a variety of classes for adults. Types of classes generally fall into 3 categories:
- Meet Your Sewing Machine – Learn about sewing machines with this hands-on session for adults. You will learn how to wind a bobbin, thread a needle and practice stitching. Class is 1 hour.
- Project Classes – Learn to sew a specific item such as pillowcases, table runner, apron, zippered pouch, etc. Students bring their own fabric to class. Patterns and white thread are provided. Class is 2 hours. Students must take the Meet Your Sewing Machine class or have prior machine sewing experience to take a project class.
- Open Sewing – Students will bring their own projects on which to work – there is not a planned project; everyone will be working on their own. If you would like to use a pattern we have previously used in class, the pattern and information can be available to you.
Students must take the Meet Your Sewing Machine class or have prior machine sewing knowledge to take this class.
The sewing machines are also used for children’s programming and by special arrangement for groups, such as girl scout troops.
All scheduled sewing programs are on the Library’s event calendar. Registration is required for all sewing classes.
Makerfest
