Learn
All Portage District Library resident cardholders have free access to LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com).
Creative Bug
Visit Creative Bug, a great resource for high quality, on trend, arts and crafts instructional videos. You will be amazed what you can make!
Creation Station Resources
At our Creation Station, you can use either a Windows or a Macintosh computer to digitize a variety of media, including photos, slides, and VHS cassette tapes. Each station also includes the complete Adobe Creative Cloud Suite.
- Patrons are permitted up to one 3-hour session per day. Time can be extended if there are no appointments after you.
- Please check in at the Adult Information Desk before your appointment.
- The computer shuts off and erases all data saved to it when a session expires.
- You will need to bring your own personal storage device for your converted media.
Photo and Slide Scanning
GREEN – These devices can be used without supervision for DIY projects.
Both our Windows Station and Mac Station are equipped with a photo/slide/negative scanner. The Epson Perfection V800 Photo/Slide Scanner can transfer your photographs, negatives, photo slides and documents to PDF or JPG.
With the Epson Fast Foto scanner, you can thousands of photos as fast as 1 photo per second at 300 dpi, and batch-scan up to 35 photos at a time. This device also has a document scanner with character recognition which converts scanned images into readable text.
The use of the scanners is free. Please bring a USB drive to store the digital file upon completion. Once your file is converted, photo editing software is available if you would like to add additional effects.
Please Note: You must remain at the library for the entirety of the digitizing process.
VHS digitization
GREEN – This device can be used without supervision for DIY projects.
Our Windows Station is equipped with a VCR and software to convert videos to digital. The software can produce MP4 files or you can burn your file straight to DVD. This process happens in real time, i.e., a 90 minute video takes 90 minutes to convert. You will also need to figure in time to transfer your file to your personal storage device.
The VHS converter digitizes VHS and VHS-C tapes. Patrons can bring their own camcorder to convert 8mm tapes.
Use of the VHS Converter is free. Please bring a USB drive or a DVD-R to store your digital file upon completion. Once your file is converted, audio and video editing software is available if you would like to add additional effects.
Please Note: You must remain at the library for the entirety of the digitizing process.
Audio Cassette Digitization
GREEN – This device can be used without supervision for DIY projects.
Both our Mac Station and our Windows Station have software and equipment that can turn your audio cassette tracks into digital MP3 files. The process happens in real time, i.e., a 30-minute cassette takes 30 minutes to convert. Our media conversion equipment can take your physical memories and make them digital.
Use of the LP Converter is free. Please bring a CD-R or USB drive to store the digital file upon completion. Once your file is converted, audio editing software is available if you would like to add additional effects.
Please Note: You must remain at the library for the entirety of the digitizing process.
Wolverine Movie Maker Pro
Yellow – This device can be used after an initial training appointment or during Staffed Hours.
The Wolverine MovieMaker-Pro digitizes 8 mm or Super 8 film to MP4 digital movie files at 1080p. This process takes approximately 30 minutes for every 50 feet of film, creating 3.5 minutes of footage. (Approximately 2 hours for 15 minutes of footage).
If you have never used the Wolverine Movie Maker Pro, please email createandmake@portagelibrary.info or call the Adult Information Desk at 269-329-4544 to make an appointment for a brief orientation on how to use the device.
Use of the 8mm Film Converter is free. You’ll need to bring a USB drive or SD card (no larger than 32GB) to store your converted media on. Once your film is converted, audio and video editing software is available if you would like to add additional effects, or burn the MP4 file to a blank DVD-R. Watch a brief video tutorial to learn how to use this equipment.
Please Note:You must remain at the library for the entirety of the digitizing process.
Adobe Creative Cloud Suite
GREEN – This software can be used without supervision for DIY projects.
Come to the Creation Station to create with the powerful Adobe Creative Cloud software. You have access to Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, InDesign, and a variety of other software for your graphic design, video editing, web development, and photography needs.
Please Note: You can also access free courses on LinkedIn Learning to learn more about how to create with the different Adobe Creative Cloud software.
High Fidelity Turntable
GREEN – This device can be used without supervision for DIY projects.
Our Mac station is equipped with a turntable. The Fluence RT81 Elite High Fidelity Vinyl Turntable can digitize 331/3 and 45 rpm records. This is only available on our Mac station.
Use of this device is free. Please bring a USB drive to store the digital file upon completion, or store to your preferred cloud service device. Once the media is converted, audio editing software is available if you would like to use it.
Please Note: You must remain at the library for the entirety of the digitizing process.
Large Format Printer
Yellow – This device can be used after an initial training appointment or during Staffed Hours.
The HP DesignJet T650 Large Format Printer will print signs and posters up to 36” wide in full CMYK color. You can choose from a 24” wide roll or a 36” wide roll. The 24” wide paper comes in standard or glossy. The 36” wide roll is standard paper only.
Check the price list for the different paper types and sizes. All transactions are cash only.
To use the large format printer, please bring in a PDF file on a USB. Make sure your PDF file is saved with the exact dimensions you require. For a quality print, you will need a minimum of 300 dpi, and a higher DPI if you are printing a very large poster. The higher the DPI, the better quality your print will be.
When you are ready to print, please come during Staffed Drop-In Hours or email createandmake@portagelibrary.info to set up an appointment.
Einscan SP 3D Scanner
Yellow – This device can be used after an initial training appointment or during Staffed Hours.
3D Scanners enable you to take a physical object, scan it into a digital format (e.g. the STL file format), and work with the digitized model to create prototypes that are then printed by 3D printers.The Einscan SP Desktop scanner can scan objects up to a volume of 200 mm x 200 mm x 200 mm. It has an accuracy of 0.05 mm. It will create .stl and obj files which you can then print using a 3D printer.
You will need to bring in a USB to store your completed scan. If you would like to use our 3D printer to print your scan, please put in a request and submit your file using our 3D printing form.
If you would like to use our Einscan 3D Scanner, you will need to set up an appointment for a tutorial. Please emailcreateandmake@portagelibrary.info to set up an appointment.
Please Note: You must remain at the library for the entirety of the digitizing process.
Clearclick Digitizer
GREEN – This device can be used without supervision for DIY projects.
The ClearClick Digital Converter will capture video from VCRs, Camcorders, DVD players and Gaming Systems. We have equipment that can digitize HI8, Pal8, Video8 and VHS tapes at the library for patrons to use. You will need to bring in your own devices if you want to digitize other formats such as mini DVD’s, etc.
Our device has an auto detect that will determine the aspect ratio of your video, but you can also go into the settings if you would like to choose your aspect ratio.
You can connect your video with an RCA cord or with an S video cord.
You can store your completed video on an SD card or a USB that you should bring with you to store your completed scan.
If you would like assistance, please come during Staffed Drop-In Hours or email createandmake@portagelibrary.info to set up an appointment.
Please Note: You must remain at the library for the entirety of the digitizing process.
Makerspace Resources
Makerspaces are where people learn new skills, create new things, and collaborate with others. All of the equipment in our Makerspace is free to use. Material costs can be found in the description for certain equipment.
Patrons are encouraged to make an appointment in advance to reserve a piece of equipment. Some equipment requires training before a person can schedule an appointment. Please use our scheduling software to see when equipment is available OR stop in during our Staffed Drop-in hours for help from library staff.
American Button Machine
Green – This device can be used without supervision for DIY projects.
Buttons are an extremely popular way to market a brand, promote a cause, or just show off your favorite characters. Download images from the internet or design your own to have professional-looking results in seconds.
What we’ve got:
•American Button Machines 2.25″ & 1.25″ Button Makers
•American Button Machines 2.25″ & 1.25 Graphic Paper Punches
You can print button designs at home or using the public computers and printers at Portage District Library. Photographs for buttons should be printed on regular copy paper, as photo paper is too thick for our button machines.
Our machine creates 2.25″ & 1.25″ round buttons. Click here to download a template.
American Button Machine Video Tutorials
Cost
Button machine accessories must be purchased in the MakerSpace. Patrons can make two buttons for free. The cost for three buttons or more is 10¢ per button.
Reservations Not Needed. The button maker does not need to be reserved.
Cricut Maker 3 (2 devices)
Yellow – This device can be used after an initial training appointment or during Staffed Hours.
The Cricut Maker 3 is a smart cutter that can many materials, including paper, vinyl, heat transfer vinyl, and leather. It can draw, etch, and foil quill materials as well.
For more information about using the Cricut, please visit our Smart Cutting Machines page.
Go Pro Hero 7
Green – This device can be used without supervision for DIY projects.
To learn more about checking out a GoPro, click here.
Muse 3D Laser Cutter and Engraver
Red – Training and appointment required for use.
You can make an endless variety of useful, beautiful, and practical things from many different materials such as: wood, leather, felt, fabric, paper, and more with the Muse 3D laser cutter.
Patrons will need to stop by during Staffed Drop-In hours or complete a training with our Makerspace Specialist in order to use the Muse. Email Jane Fleming createandmake@portagelibrary.info to set up an appointment.
For more information about using the Muse 3d, please visit our Laser cutting and engraving page.
Prusa i3 mk3s+ 3D Printer
Red – Training and appointment required for use.
Our Prusa 3D printer is available for your 3D printing needs. Visit our 3D Printing page for how to submit a request to print.
For more information about using the 3d printer, please visit our 3D Manufacturing page.
If you would like to schedule a time to use the 3D Printer, either stop by the Makerspace during Staffed Drop-In hours or email Jane Fleming at createandmake@portagelibrary.info.
Singer 4432 Heavy Duty Sewing Machines (6)
Yellow – This device can be used after an initial training appointment or during Staffed Hours.
The Makerspace has six sewing machines available for projects.
If you are interested in using one or more of our sewing machines, please email createandmake@portagelibrary.info to set up an appointment.
HPN 15 x 15 Swing Away Heat Press
Red – Training and appointment required for use.
Use the HPN Black Series Swing Away Heat Press and heat transfer vinyl to put designs on t-shirts, tote bags phone cases, key chains, and more. The heat press has an area of 15 x 15 with a maximum temperature of 400 F° and a built-in timer to tell you when your press is finished.
The library has the Cricut Maker 3 or Silhouette Cameo Pro 4 to create your designs. We provide Teflon sheets and heat safe tape for you to use free of charge. Please provide your own materials to be pressed.
For the safety of patrons, the heat press must be used with Makerspace staff present. Please contact createandmake@portagelibrary.info to reserve a time to use the heat press.
Software
Creating with Text, Images, and Video
Adobe Acrobat (PC & Mac)
Adobe After Effects (PC & Mac)
Adobe Animate (PC & Mac)
Adobe Audition (PC & Mac)
Adobe Premiere Elements (PC & Mac)
Adobe Illustrator (PC & Mac)
Adobe InDesign (PC & Mac)
Adobe Lightroom (PC & Mac)
Adobe Photoshop (PC & Mac)
Adobe Premiere Pro (PC & Mac)
GIMP (PC & Mac)
iMovie (Mac)
Inkscape (PC & Mac)
Microsoft Office (PC & Mac)
Adobe Premiere Rush (PC & Mac)
Adobe Photoshop Elements (PC & Mac)
2D and 3D Creations
Blender (PC)
Meshmixer (PC)
Sketchup (PC)
Tinkercad (PC)
Creating with Music and Sound
Audacity (PC)
Camtasia (PC)
Garage band (Mac)
Is there software, hardware or other equipment that you would like to see at the Creation Station? Do you have a comment or a suggestion? Let us know! Email our STEAM Librarian, Jane Fleming at createandmake@portagelibrary.info.