Idea Lab
- The Format Conversion Queue is CLOSED
- We are not accepting format conversion requests at this time.
- We only accept media conversion requests when the Idea Lab is open.
- The laser engraver has been repaired!
- CLICK HERE for instructions to our 3D Printed Wireless Gaming Mouse Kit (instructions provided by BambuLabs)
- CLICK HERE to visit our YouTube Page, which has all of our video instructions for current and past kits.
3D Printing Now Available
Submit your 3D models, we will print them out, and you can pick them up using our Curbside Pickup service, or by retrieving them from our Grab-and-Go area. For more information, see our 3D Printing section below.
Location - View Map
300 W. Merrill St.
Birmingham, MI 48009
Library Hours
Monday–Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Upcoming Closures
December 24: Closed
December 25: Closed
December 31: Closed
January 1, 2025: Closed
3D Printing
The Idea Lab provides 3D printing services to you! If you have something you would like 3D printed, simply provide us with your 3D model files, and some information about what you’re printing. Your print will be added to the queue, and we will contact you to come and pick it up when it is done!
If you are unable to submit your request through this form please contact the Idea Lab for assistance.
There is currently no charge for 3D printing. The Idea Lab will supply up to 200g of any filament we have available, per user, per month. Patrons submitting print requests (or series of requests within 1 month) requiring more than 200 grams of filament will be asked to provide their own filament. The Idea Lab will provide guidance to assist patrons in purchasing filament.
Per our User Agreement BPL reserves the right to halt, delete or disallow the creation of items that violate Library policy, including the creation of weapons and illegal items; and to manage the 3D print queue to best accommodate demand from the Lab’s many users.
Hours of Operation
Regular Operating Hours:
Monday, 9:30am to 9pm
Tuesday, 9:30am to 9pm
Wednesday, 9:30am to 9pm
Thursday, 9:30am to 5pm
Friday, 9:30am to 5pm
Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Sunday, 12pm to 5pm
Hours subject to change. Please call prior to your visit.
Format Conversion
The Idea Lab can help convert your old media into new digital files. Including:
- Video Cassettes (VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, 8mm/Hi8/Digital8, DV and MiniDV)
- Audio Cassettes
- Microcassette
- Vinyl Records, LPs, etc. (33/45/78)
- 1/4″ Reel-to-reel audio tape
- Film Slides (35mm, 110, 126, 127, and odd sizes)
- Film Negatives
- 8mm, Super 8mm and 16mm motion picture film
- And more!
We are also able to extract data from older digital formats including 3.5″ and 5.25″ floppy disks, Zip disks, Jaz disks, etc., and convert their contents to formats compatible with modern computers.
You can bring your materials to The Idea Lab during our hours of operation. Be sure that they are in a bag or box, clearly labeled with your name and contact information. The lab must be open and staffed in order to drop off materials. Requests are limited to 10 items at a time. We may be unable to accept new requests if our request queue is full.
Please contact us via phone or email if you have questions about format conversion.
Materials List
3D PRINTER FILAMENTS
We most commonly print using PLA, but we can print using just about any commercially available filament. Including:
- PLA – Polylactic acid
- PETG – Polyethylene terepthalate, glycol-modified
- TPU (Flexible) – Thermoplastic polyurethane
- ABS – Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (We don’t like to print ABS if we can avoid it. We recommend PETG instead.)
- ASA – Acrylonitrile styrene acrylate
- PEEK – PolyEtherEtherKetone
- HIPS – High impact polystyrene
- NYLON – FDM Polyamides
- WOOD COMPOSITE
- METAL COMPOSITE
- and more!
For more information on 3D Printer filament types: Click here for a helpful article comparing all currently marketed filament varieties.
Parking
Free Two-Hour Parking in Chester Street Deck
Metered street parking around Library
Free Parking on Sundays
248-647-1700
300 W. Merrill St.
Birmingham, MI 48009
Library Hours:
Monday – Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Upcoming Closures:
December 24: Closed
December 25: Closed
December 31: Closed
January 1, 2025: Closed
Baldwin Library Idea Lab
Explore. Tinker. And learn! The Idea Lab is our space where big ideas come to life and where people of all ages and tech levels are welcome. Drop in or sign up for a skill- or project-based class or make an appointment today to learn how to use our 3D printer or laser engraver. We also have a variety of tools available, including an embroidery machine, soldering equipment, design software, and more.
