Updated: 12/12/2019

Introduction & Philosophy

The Workshop at Portsmouth Public Library is open to community members of all ages interested in learning, crafting, making, mending and experimenting. The library strives to provide enriching programming and opportunities for people to learn new skills, collaborate, and experiment in a safe environment. The Workshop provides access to a variety of tools that will support our patrons in these endeavors.

Policies & Procedures

The Workshop is open during normal library operating hours for scheduled classes, programs, and open workshop time. At least one staff member must be present at all times.

Those wishing to utilize the Workshop and provided tools, or attend a class must submit a completed waiver. Children under the age of 18 must have the waiver completed by a parent or guardian. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by their adult at all times while in the library.

The Workshop – Policy

The Workshop space, tools, and classes are available to anyone in the community.

1. All participants must complete a waiver that will be kept on file in the Workshop
   1. Print and sign ahead of time at cityofportsmouth.com/library/theworkshop#waiver
2. Any patrons without a completed waiver on file will be allowed to use the following equipment only:
   1. GoPro Hero7 Black camera
   2. 1.5” and 1” button maker
   3. Computers and library digital services
3. Patrons must be 13+ to use the Workshop’s Oculus Quest VR headset (based on manufacturer recommendations)
4. Patrons must be 18+ to check out the Workshop’s GoPro Hero7 Black
5. In all classes, programs, and open Workshop time, there must be at least one staff member present
6. Class size will be limited to 8 participants and registration is required

The Workshop – Procedure

1. Complete a waiver in person in the Workshop, or online at cityofportsmouth.com/library/theworkshop#waiver
2. Register for classes at the Reference Desk, (603) 766-1720, or online at cityofportsmouth.com/library/theworkshop#schedule
3. Contact us with any questions, comments, or concerns

3D Printing – Policy

The Library’s 3D printers are available to anyone in the community to make three-dimensional objects in plastic using a design that the patron has provided as a digital computer file. 

1. The Library’s 3D printers may be used for lawful purposes only.  The public will not be permitted to use the Library’s 3D printers to create material that is:
   1. Prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
   2. Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others (Such use may violate the terms of use of the manufacturer)
   3. Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the Library environment
   4. In violation of another’s intellectual property rights.  For example, the printers will not be used to reproduce a material that is subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
2. The Library reserves the right to refuse any 3D printing request.
3. Cost: The initial charge is $0.05/gram of materials The Library Staff reserves the right to change the cost as needed.  Patrons will be charged for the weight at printing time including any rafts and supports required for successful printing.
4. 3-D printing staff will notify the patron if their object will cost more the $5.00 to print.  If an object will cost less than $5.00 it will be printed without further consent of the patron. 
5. The patron will be responsible for the full cost of a successful print.
6. Print-on-demand objects must require less than 10 hours to print each piece.  Multi-piece requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
7. Only designated Library staff and volunteers will have hands-on access to the 3D printer.
8. The Library reserves the right review all files before printing and to refuse scanning and/or producing any content at any time at the discretion of the Library Staff.
9. Schedule and Access to the 3D printer will be determined by Library Staff.

3D Printing – Procedure

1. Visit thingiverse.com or similar website and find a handy, funky, artsy or must-have project, or design your own.
2. Submit your project using the form on our website: cityofportsmouth.com/library/3d-printing or contact us with questions using our online form.
3. We’ll notify you by phone or email when your project is ready for pickup at the library.
4. Pay for your print at the Reference or Circulation Desk.

Waiver

All participants must complete a waiver that will be kept on file in the Workshop. Print and sign a waiver ahead of time using this link.

Any patrons without a completed waiver on file will be allowed to use the following equipment only:

1. GoPro Hero7 Black camera
2. 1.5” and 1” button maker
3. Computers and library digital services