Maker Spaces and Use of Equipment and Tools Policy 

The Hartford Public Library (HPL) provides free resources that inspire reading, guide learning, and encourage individual exploration. HPL is an innovative and stimulating place where people can learn and discover, explore their passions and find a rich array of resources that contribute to a full life. Hartford Public Library encourages exploration and learning through a variety of experiences in all of its locations including maker spaces, and through a variety of equipment, tools and machines.  

Customers using Hartford Public Library equipment or tools at any HPL facility or outreach event must be capable of using the equipment or tools in a safe and appropriate manner. Library staff will make available upon request materials such as manuals and may offer training periodically throughout the year. 

Parents (or legal guardian) are responsible for the conduct of minors in 

technology/maker spaces. The Library may require that a parent (or legal guardian) accompany children while he or she is using HPL equipment.  

HPL offers tools and equipment for use as-is without any representation or warranty of safety or suitability for any purpose. HPL is not responsible for any defects in any of the tools or equipment or for any loss or damage caused by the use or misuse of tools or equipment by the user. 

Users will report if any tool or piece of equipment becomes unsafe or in a state of disrepair, he or she will immediately discontinue use and notify Library staff. 

User must report any accident/incident immediately to an HPL staff member. 

Users may only use one 3D printer or other piece of equipment at a time unless approved by an HPL staff member. 

HPL is only able to provide consumable materials on a limited basis. Users must be thoughtful when using materials and considerate of others. HPL reserves the right to limit the use of consumable materials to users if and when needed.  

HPL tools and equipment are intended to foster discovery, learning, entertainment and prototyping purposes. The production of weapons, and/or illegal or dangerous items is prohibited. Library staff reserve the right to decline production of any product if in his or her sole judgment the production is not aligned with the mission and goals of HPL or runs contrary to HPL’s Conduct Policy. 

The use of Maker Spaces (i.e. YouMedia, pop-up installations) and/or other spaces with equipment and tools is also governed by the terms of HPL’s Conduct Policy.