Creativity Commons

Library Makerspace
Creativity Commons has moved into its brand new expanded space at Centerville Library. We will be ready to welcome patrons starting Monday, August 31!

About Creativity Commons

Creativity Commons is Montgomery County's only DIY makerspace, located at the Centerville Library — home to 25+ pieces of equipment from 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing and embroidery machines, a podcast booth, and even a foundry for glass and metal works. Whether you're prototyping, crafting, or just curious, it's a space to make something real.


DIY Space

With so much equipment and only a few staff on the floor at once, we can't provide one-on-one supervision. Equipment badge trainings will get you ready to work independently, safely, and confidently. Of course, we are on hand to answer questions, and there will be an instruction manual by your side for each machine.



Before You Arrive




    REQUIRED: Appropriate training is required before using any equipment. View the Equipment Badge Training Calendar.



  1. Decide on your project.
    • Select the machine that best fits your project.
    • Reserve your spot for badge training in advance.
    • Complete the required badge training before your equipment appointment.
  2. Design your project and create your design files.
    • Prepare your project using the required file format for your chosen equipment.
  3. Schedule your equipment appointment.
    • Library cards are required to make appointments. If you do not have one, sign up here.


    If you have any questions before your appointment, contact Creativity Commons staff.

Available Equipment

  • 3D Printers
  • Button Makers
  • CNC Machine
  • DTF (Direct to Film) Printer
  • Embroidery Machines
  • Heat Presses
  • Lapidary Machines
  • Large Format Printers
  • Laser Cutters & Engravers
  • Resin Printer
  • Sewing Machines
  • Sublimation Printer
  • UV Printer
  • Vinyl Desktop Cutter
  • ...and more!

Locations & Hours

Creativity Commons Equipment

Equipment use is always free.

Creativity Commons is a DIY space providing access to maker equipment. Patrons are expected to design and complete their own project. Staff will be present to facilitate machine operation only and are not responsible for file creation or file modifications.


Requesting an Appointment

  • Please review our Community Use Guidelines.
  • The following are required to use the space:
    • An equipment badge, specific to the equipment in the appointment request.
      • To schedule equipment badge training, check our calendar.
      • You may request an equipment appointment if you have not earned the associated badge, but are scheduled for the training.
    • A current and up-to-date library card.
    • A signed liability waiver.
  • The reservation holder must be present.
  • Appointments can be requested up to one day in advance.
  • While walk-ins are welcome, you may not use equipment without earning the proper equipment badge. Availability of equipment, time slots, and staff assistance is not guaranteed.
  • If you have questions or want to schedule a group activity or tour, please email or call 1 (937) 610-4425 for availability.

Before you can use any equipment, you'll need to complete a badge training for each machine (or group of machines). The 30 to 60-minute badge trainings are free, hands-on, and teach you the basics of file preparation and safe, confident operation. No badge, no equipment access — so plan your first visit around a class, not a project. If you do not see badge training for the equipment you are interested in, please email or call 1 (937) 610-4425 Creativity Commons staff.


Please review our Community Use Guidelines.


Age Restrictions

  • Maker services are available to patrons ages 12+. All patrons ages 12+ must complete any required training and have the associated equipment badge.
  • Ages 11 & under are to be accompanied by a guardian at all times.
    • Children must follow all makerspace safety rules and staff instructions.
    • Staff may ask a guardian and child to leave if safety rules are not followed.

Creativity Commons' Badge Training Full Calendar


Recycling

Creativity Commons is committed to sustainability, including proper disposal of hazardous materials as well as recycling. Our current public recycling initiatives are listed below. Drop off accepted materials any time during our open hours.


Interested in additional recycling resources? Check out our Recycling & Sustainability Showcase


Aluminum

Aluminum foil, pie tins, yogurt lids, disposable roasting pans, etc. Must be clean and dry. No grease or food residue.


ARM & HAMMER™ and OxiClean™

ARM & HAMMER™ and OxiClean™ brand plastic pouches. Find out more.


Batteries

All types of rechargeable and disposable batteries - Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Small Sealed Lead Acid (SSLA/Pb), Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Nickel Zinc (Ni-Zn), Lithium Primary, Alkaline, Carbon Zinc, button and coin cell batteries, and all cellphones are accepted regardless of size, make, model or age. Individual batteries must be no larger than 300Wh.


Brita® Products and Packaging

Brita® products and packaging, including filters, bottles, and containers. Find out more.


Coffee Bags & Pods

Don Francisco's® Coffee bags and pods, Café La Llave® Espresso coffee pods, and José's® Gourmet Coffee packaging. Find out more.


Colgate® Oral Care Products and Packaging

All brands of used or empty toothpaste tubes and caps, toothbrushes, toothpaste cartons, toothbrush outer packaging, and floss containers. Find out more.


Febreze Air Care

All brands of air and home cartridges and plugs, spray bottles, and spray trigger heads. Find out more.


GoGo squeeZ®

All brands of squeezable snack plastic pouches and caps. Find out more.


Hair Care & Skincare

Hair care and skincare packaging from the following brands:

  • ACT®
  • Allegra®
  • Arthritis Hot®
  • Aspercreme®
  • Aussie
  • Burt's Bees
  • Capzasin®
  • Cortizone-10®
  • Eos
  • Gold Bond®
  • Head & Shoulders
  • Herbal Essences
  • Icy Hot®
  • innisfree
  • Murad
  • Pantene
  • Selsun Blue
  • Sportscreme®

Kroger® Our Brands flexible plastic packaging

Flexible plastic packaging from Kroger® Our Brands including Simple Truth™, Private Selection®, Kroger® Brand, Comforts®, Pet Pride®, Luvsome®, Abound® and other Kroger Co brands. Find out more.


Lundberg Family Farms®

Lundberg Family Farms® flexible packaging and food wrappers. Find out more.


Pet Food Packaging

Flexible plastic pet food packaging from these brands only:

  • Eukanuba®
  • Halo®
  • "I and love and you."®
  • Open Farm®
  • Royal Canin®
  • Wellness®

Razors

All brands of blades, razors, and plastic razor packaging. Find out more.


Swiffer® Refills

Used Swiffer refills: Sweeper, Duster, and WetJet pads (Swiffer brand only). Find out more.


Taco Bell® Sauce Packets

All brands and types of sauce packets. Find out more.


Takis Snacks

Takis Snacks, Takis Rolled Tortilla Chips, Takis STIX™, Takis POP!, Takis Waves, Takis Kettlez, and Takis Crisps flexible plastic bags and canisters. Find out more.


Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine brand only personal care packaging - mouthwash bottles and caps, toothbrushes, deodorant containers and caps, soap packaging, floss containers, and toothpaste tubes and caps. Find out more.


Toys & Games

Hasbro, LeapFrog®, Spin Master, and VTech® games, learning devices, and toys. Find out more.


Terracycle Recycling Rewards

Are you already recycling through Terracycle? Please consider donating your reward points to Washington-Centerville Public Library to support Creativity Commons. Find out more.