The Canvas
Welcome to The Canvas! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced maker, The Canvas provides access to tools, technology, and resources to bring your creative projects to life.
You must be a Des Plaines Library cardholder to use the Canvas.
Hours
Monday and Friday, from 11AM-7PM
Wednesdays from 1PM-8:30PM
The 1st Saturday of the Month from 12:30PM-4:30PM
Orientation
Orientations will now held in person in the Canvas on the last Wednesday of the month, at 5:00pm. Anyone who cannot attend this session can reserve a laptop and sit with the orientation recording in the Canvas.
Reservations
The Canvas reservation times will be one hour long per person to accommodate more holiday crafters. This will affect machines that rely on staff to operate, such as the 3D printers, laser cutters, and the embroidery machine. Please have your files prepared prior to your reservation to maximize your hour with the machine.
Using Equipment
3D printers do not require a reservation of the Canvas to submit a print ticket. 3D prints now need to be submitted through the submission form and may take up to a week to print depending on the print queue.
Patrons who want to work independently with a sewing machine, laminator, heat presses, button makers, mat cutter, laptops, and iPads do not need to make a reservation to use the machines. If you need staff guidance to work on a machine, please make a reservation.
Getting Started
Before using The Canvas, all visitors must complete a one-time orientation and sign a waiver form.
In-person Canvas orientations meet once a month, on the last Wednesday of the month, from 5:00-6:30pm.
If you cannot attend on the given orientation date, please contact Canvas staff to schedule time to sit in the makerspace with a laptop and a recording of the orientation.
Canvasdesk@dppl.org or (847) 376-2936
Equipment & Tools
The Canvas is equipped with state-of-the-art tools for crafting, designing, and making. Browse our full list of available machines and tools.
★ View Equipment & Software List
Reserving Equipment & Workspaces
The Canvas offers a variety of machines and workstations for creative projects. Reservations and a Des Plaines Library Card are required to use equipment.
Reserve below, Email, or Call the Canvas Desk to make an appointment: Canvasdesk@dppl.org or (847) 376-2936
��You will receive a confirmation email when your reservation is confirmed.��
Materials & Costs
Some projects require specific materials. You can purchase select materials through the library or bring your own, as long as they are on our approved materials list.
★ Approved Materials & Where to Buy Them
**GLITTER IS BANNED. If you see glitter, it is because staff have learned their lesson.
Need Help?
Our staff is available to assist with equipment and projects. Feel free to ask us for guidance or check out our manuals and resources.
For questions, contact us at canvasdesk@dppl.org.