Learning Lab
Hickory Public Library’s Learning Lab provides access to tools and technology that support learning, creativity, connection, and accessibility through hands-on learning.
Monday: By reservation only
Tuesday: Open Lab 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and by reservation
Wednesday: Open Lab 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. and by reservation
Thursday: Open Lab 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. and by reservation
Friday: By reservation only
Saturday: Open Lab 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month
Hickory Public Library’s Learning Lab provides access to tools and technology that support learning, creativity, connection, and accessibility through hands-on learning.
The Learning Lab at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library offers specialty printing services to the public for a fee. The lab’s specialty printers include several 3D printers and one large format printer.
The Learning Lab has various pieces of equipment available for patron use. To use the equipment, patrons must have a current Hickory Public Library card and complete a brief orientation to ensure proper use and safety.
Maker Workshops are hands-on, staff-led tutorials that aim to empower patrons with the knowledge and skills to use a variety of innovative tools and technologies available at Patrick Beaver Memorial Library’s makerspace, The Learning Lab.
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Learning Lab To-Go Kits provide tools, technology, and hands-on activities to bring STEAM to life at home. Designed for ages 7-12, these kits feature curated materials aligned with educational themes such as engineering, game design, and coding. Explore our available kits in the library’s catalog or visit Patrick Beaver Memorial Library.
Coming Soon!
The Learning Lab is available to patrons ages 7 and up with a current Hickory Public Library card. An adult must accompany users younger than age 12 at all times. Patrons must sign the user agreement policy and participate in a free orientation session conducted by library staff before using the Lab.
Staff can provide limited assistance; however, patrons are responsible for preparing their designs/projects and using the equipment/software. For more hands-on, staff-led tutorials, check out the Maker Workshops page.
Yes! Staff-led tours of the space and the various equipment can be scheduled. See the About the Learning Lab page for more information.
There is no charge to use the Lab’s reservable equipment. The Lab sells a limited supply of materials which are listed on the “About the Library” page. Maker Workshops and Specialty Printing services have set chargers that can be found on their respective pages.
Yes, outside materials can be used with reservable equipment, as long as they have been approved by Learning Lab staff.
3D print requests can be submitted on the Specialty Printing page. Files can be found online or modeled yourself. To learn more about the basics of 3D modeling, check out our TinkerCAD workshop on the Maker Workshops page.
Making a reservation is recommended to secure your preferred time slot and ensures staff availability for assistance and questions. To see a list of all reservable equipment and make a reservation, see the Reserve Equipment page.
