The uCreate Space is Stratford Library’s makerspace–a hands-on center for learning, creating, and sharing, where people of all ages can gather to explore a mix of hi-tech and low-tech equipment.
Check our events calendar for all of our upcoming uCreate events.
Below is a comprehensive list of uCreate’s current technology offerings and services. To schedule use of any of the equipment listed (including first-time tutorials), contact Chris by emailing ucreate[at]stratfordlibrary.org or by calling the Library at 203.385.4163.
Assorted uCreate equipment and technology is also available during uCreate Space Open Hours, drop-in hours during which the makerspace is staffed by teen volunteers.
uCreate Open Hours Schedule – September 2025:
There are no Open Hours in September while uCreate volunteers focus on acclimating to the new school year. Open Hours will resume in October–please check back. In the meantime, to request a uCreate tech tutorial or to reserve independent use of the uCreate Space, email Chris at ucreate@stratfordlibrary.org.
*Please note: Open Hours are subject to change. All ages are welcome during Open Hours but anyone 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. uCreate technology is available during Open Hours on a first-come, first-served basis, as space and assistance is limited. If interested in using specific equipment/technology (e.g. the 3D printer or the VR headsets), please call 203.385.4163 beforehand to verify availability or email Chris at ucreate(at)stratfordlibrary.org.
3D Printing & 3D Doodling:
- Creality Ender-3 S1 Pro 3D printer – Max build volume of 220 x 220 x 270 mm (8.66 x 8.66 x 10.6 inches). Utilizes Cura slicer.
- MYNT3D 3D pens and assorted filament (ABS & PLA).
- Laptop with 3D software – Cura software, plus easy access to Thingiverse and Tinkercad.
How to use: Sign up for one of our monthly 3D Printing for Beginners sessions for grade 6 – adult. Once you participate in a session, schedule a follow-up one-on-one session to complete your first 3D print and become 3D certified in the uCreate Space. Once certified, you may schedule time to 3D-print independently. Please note: 3D printing costs $2/hour (print time estimates can be determined prior to printing); if you supply your own filament, there is no cost. 3D doodlers are available during Open Hours or by reservation.
Circuitry and Robotics:
- Ozobot Evo robots (6) – Learn the basics of coding through Ozobots’ color detection system.
- Sphero Bolt (2) – Hands-on fun that teaches coding and robotics!
- littleBits circuits – a platform of easy-to-use electronic building blocks that allow you to invent anything, from your own remote controlled car, to a smart home device. The Bits snap together with magnets – no soldering, no wiring, no programming needed.
- Snap Circuits – By Elenco. Explore engineering, electronics, and circuitry concepts while having fun with these easy-to-use circuitry kits.
How to use: Available during Open Hours or by reservation.
Crafting:
- Cricut machines: Cricut Maker & Cricut Venture – Electronic cutting machines that cut vinyl, paper, fabric & more. Use for scrapbooking, card-making, home décor, personalized gifts, and more. Also available: Cricut Heat Press and Cricut mug press. A limited supply of sample materials (cardstock, permanent vinyl, and heat transfer vinyl) is available for tutorials; please supply your own materials for projects.
- Badge-a-Minit Button Makers (2) – Make your own 2.25-inch or 1.25-inch badges with any design you choose. Please note that button-making costs $.25 per button.
- Laminator – Capable of laminating documents up to 12.5 inches wide. Available at the Adult Services Desk–first come, first served. Please note that laminating costs $.50 per plastic sheet.
How to use: To use the laminator, stop by the Adult Services desk any time during regular Library hours. To use a button maker or a Cricut, Contact Us to schedule a tutorial or make a reservation.
Gaming & VR:
- NEW: Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World
- Nintendo Switch (x2) and assorted digital and physical games; Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Available on a first-come, first-served basis during Open Hours or by reservation.
- Xbox One S and assorted digital and physical games; Xbox Game Pass Core subscription. Available on a first-come, first-served basis during Open Hours or by reservation.
- NEW: Meta Quest 3 VR – Please call 203.385.4163 or email ucreate@stratfordlibrary.org to schedule a tutorial and/or independent use.
- Meta Quest 2 VR (x2) – Please call 203.385.4163 or email ucreate@stratfordlibrary.org to schedule a tutorial and/or independent use.
- an assortment of tabletop games – Catan, Diplomacy, Pandemic, Poetry for Neanderthals, Zombie Dice, and more! Available on a first-come, first-served basis during Open Hours or by reservation.
- Recommend a video game, VR game, or tabletop game for the uCreate Space: Email ucreate@stratfordlibrary.org
Photo Editing:
- Photoshop Elements & Elements Premiere software – Fix, enhance, and edit your photos. Contact Us (select “uCreate”) to reserve uCreate’s iMac (located in the Adult Computer Lab).
Digitization Services:
- Scan Photos/Slides/Negatives – Drop off your old photos, slides, and/or negatives and the uCreate Team will digitize them using uCreate’s CanoScan 9000F Mark II scanner. Please provide a flash drive to save your files to. To arrange drop-off, Contact Us (select “uCreate”) or email ucreate[at]stratfordlibrary.org directly. If your digitization project is sizable, we request that you drop off your photos/negatives/slides in stages.
- VHS-DVD Conversion – Convert your VHS, VHS-C, and/or 8mm tapes (excluding the Digital8 format) to DVD or a flash drive via uCreate’s VIDBOX converter. Please complete the VHS-DVD Conversion Request form and drop off your items at the Adult Services desk once uCreate staff have confirmed your request; the uCreate Team will contact you again when your conversions are ready for pickup. The Library provides blank DVDs for $1 each or you can supply your own. Please note: Only non-copyrighted content can be converted. Additionally, Stratford Library is not responsible for any tapes that may be damaged and/or unable to be converted.
Questions? Please call 203-385-4163 or Contact Us.