What is the STREAM Center?
The STREAM Center (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art & Math) is a place to create, be creative and learn new skills. The STREAM Center combines digital-age technology and hands-on learning with a love of reading, a fundamental building block for future educational and career success.
STREAM Equipment & Software Learning Resources
Learn on your own with this collection of manuals and videos for our equipment.
Reserve an Item Today**
**some equipment requires training before use
AVAILABLE ITEMS:
Gorilla Maker 3D Printer
Description: The Gorilla Maker 3D Printer is a standard 3D printer that allows you to take a digital file (such as an .stl or .obj file) and turn it into a physical item made of PLA plastic.
Availability: The Gorilla Maker 3D Printer is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine, you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fees: $0.10/gram
Manuals & Tutorials:
- Transferring Design to Matter Control
- Changing out the Filament
- Website with 3D Models
- 3D Modeling Websites: TinkerCad or Sketchup
Difficulty:
Schedule a training session with a KCPL staff person.
Makerbot Replicator 3D Printer
Description: The Makerbot Replicator 3D Printer is a standard 3D printer that allows you to take a digital file (such as an .stl or .obj file) and turn it into a physical item made of PLA plastic.
Availability: The Makerbot Replicator 3D Printer is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine, you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fees: $0.10/gram
Manuals & Tutorials:
- Transferring Design to Makerbot Print
- User Manual: Makerbot Replicator User Manual
- Website with 3D Models
- 3D Modeling Websites: Tinkercad or Sketchup
Difficulty:
Schedule a training session with a KCPL staff person.
Silhouette Cameo Vinyl Cutter
Description: The Silhouette Cameo is a machine that uses a small blade to cut many different materials, including paper, cardstock, vinyl, heat transfer up to 12 in. wide. The machine will work with any of our laptops and there is a specific software to use the Silhouette Cameo.
Availability: The Silhouette Cameo is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fees: 1.00 per foot of vinyl and heat transfer. If you bring your own then it is free to use.
Manual & Tutorials:
- Tracing an Image
- What Can I Create?
- User Manual
- Free Fonts: Dafont or Fontspace
Difficulty:
Schedule a training session with a KCPL staff person.
Cricut Maker
Description: The Cricut Maker is a machine that uses a small blade to cut many different materials, including paper, cardstock, vinyl, heat transfer up to 12 in. wide. The machine will work with any of our laptops and there is a specific website to use the Cricut Maker.
Availability: The Cricut Maker is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fees: 1.00 per foot of vinyl and heat transfer. If you bring your own then it is free to use.
Manual & Tutorials:
- What Can I Create?
- User Manual
- Free Fonts: Dafont or Fontspace
Difficulty:
Schedule a training session with a KCPL staff person.
Sewing Machine
Brother Sewing Machine
Description: The Brother Sewing machine is a CS-6000i. It is an easy to use computerized sewing machine that has 60 built-in stitches. It has an extended table for larger projects. It has an automatic needle threader and adjustable sewing speed control.
Availability: The Brother Sewing machine is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fees: You will have to buy a bobbin ($.10 per bobbin) or bring one of your own. Bring any fabrics, notions, and patterns that you’ll need for your project. We will have rotary cutters, sewing scissors and small cutting mats available for use in the space.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Schedule a training session with a KCPL staff person.
Brother Embroidery Machine
Description: The Brother Embroidery machine is a SE400. It is an easy to use computerized sewing and embroidery machine. It can only do a 4″x4″ embroidery area. It has 70 built in decorative designs and 5 styles of font. We can also hook it up to a laptop and import your own files. Please have the files pre-saved as .pes files if you already have the designs ready.
Availability: The Brother Embroidery machine is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fees: You will have to buy a bobbin ($.10 per bobbin) or bring one of your own. Bring any fabrics, notions, and patterns that you’ll need for your project.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Schedule a training session with a KCPL staff person.
Brother Serger
Description: The Brother Serger machine is a 1034D. It is a ¾ thread serger, which is designed for finishing the edges and hems of fabric. It has several different stitch options including: 4 thread overlock, 3 thread overlock, narrow hem, and more.
Availability: The Brother Serger machine is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fees: There is no fee but you will need to bring any fabric or materials that you’ll need for your project.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Schedule a training session with a KCPL staff person.
Poster Printer
Description: The poster printer is an Epson SureColor T7270. It can print posters up to 44″ in width. Bring in a flash drive with your poster/design on it.
Availability: The poster printer is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fees: $3.50 for photo paper, $4.50 for outdoor vinyl, and $6.00 for Phototex (all priced per linear foot 12″ x 36″).
Manuals & Tutorials:
- Surecolor Tutorial
- User Manual: Epson SureColor Manual
Difficulty:
Schedule a training session with a KCPL staff person.
Glowforge
Description: The Glowforge is a laser cutter/engraver. The machine works with wood, leather, cardboard, fabric and a few other materials. It can cut/engrave up to 20″ in width.
Availability: The Glowforge is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine, you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fees: There is no fee but you will need to bring your own materials to cut/engrave, along with the file you want it to cut/engrave. There is an optional 20 cent per foot fee for protective tape.
Manual & Tutorials:
- Materials Safe for Use
- Material Size
- Meet the Glowforge
- Glowforge Software
- Glowforge Step by Step Guide
Difficulty:
Schedule a training session with a KCPL staff person.
Large Vinyl Cutter
Description: The large vinyl cutter is a Graphtec CE6000-60. It can cut up to 16 ft in length and 28″ in width. This machine can only cut vinyl.
Availability: The large vinyl cutter is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fees: 1.00 per foot of vinyl.
Manual & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Schedule a training session with a KCPL staff person.
3Doodler
Description: The 3Doodler is a 3D printer in pen form. You click a button and you can start designing something 3D. We have two different types, the 3Doodler Start, which is meant more for beginners and children. Then we have the 3Doodler Create which is meant more for the advanced. We have a handful of colors you can print with.
Availability: The 3Doodler is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this equipment you have to stop by a staff member and get a quick demo before using it.
Fees: The cost to use the 3Doodler is $.20 per strand of filament.
Manual & Tutorials:
- 3Doodler Start Tutorials/Ideas
- 3Doodler Videos
- 3Doodler Create Tutorials/Ideas
- 3Doodler Create Video
Difficulty:
A KCPL staff person will provide a quick demo before use.
Letterpress
Description: The Letter Press is a tool that will allow you to create homemade cards and invitations. Letter pressing involves printing using a hard, raised image (like a hard stamp) under pressure using ink.
Availability: The Letter Press is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. If you don’t know how to use it feel free to ask any staff member.
Fees: There is no fee to use the letter press.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Accucut
Description: The Accucut machine is a die cut that allows you to turn the handle and roll the die cut and paper under the press, to cut out what you want. We have many die cuts available for use.
Availability: The Accucut machine is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. If you don’t know how to use it feel free to ask any staff member.
Fees: If you bring your own paper the cost is free. If you need to purchase construction paper it’s $.05 a page.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Dremel Tool
Description: The Dremel Tool we have is a Dremel 4000. A Dremel tool can be used for cutting, grinding, sanding, buffing and shaping materials such as wood, laminate, ceramic and metal. We have polishing, grinding, and drill bits for the tool.
Availability: The Dremel tool is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this equipment, you have to stop by a staff member and get a quick demo before using it.
Fees: There is no fee to use the dremel tool.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Soldering Iron
Description: Soldering iron is a hand-held tool that heats up hot enough to melt solder (a low melting metal alloy) so that it melts and then joins two metal pieces. We have several soldering irons.
Availability: The soldering iron is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. A staff demonstration is required before using the soldering iron.
Fees: There is no fee to use the soldering irons.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Drill
Description: This cordless drill will take care of screwing materials together and drilling holes for projects.
Availability: The electric drill is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this equipment, you have to stop by a staff member and get a quick demo before using it.
Fees: There are no fees to use the drill.
Difficulty:
A KCPL staff person will provide a quick demo before use.
Bloxels
Description: Bloxels allows you to create your own video game. Drop the blocks into the board provided, and design your game. Use one of our iPads to take a picture of the layout and then play the game you created on the iPad.
Availability: The Bloxels are available at all times unless in use for a class. We have 10 sets of the game.
Fees: There are no fees to use Bloxels.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Book Binding Machine
Description: The book binding machine is a Fellowes Star+ 150. It can bind presentation or books up to 150 pages. We do follow copyright laws so you will not be able to reproduce any published materials.
Availability: The book binding machine is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved.
Fees: It’s $.20 per book to pay for the book binding comb. If you need to print its $.10 for black and white, and $.50 for color.
Manuals & Tutorials:
- Video Tutorial
- User Manual: Fellowes Star +100
Difficulty:
Arduino Starter Kit
Description: The Arduino starter kit walks you through the basics of using the Arduino, hands on. The kit includes a 170-page booklet that has 15 projects that it will walk you through.
Availability: The Arduino kit is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved.
Fees: There are no fees to use the Arduino kit.
Difficulty:
Raspberry Pi
Description: The Raspberry Pi is a tiny, low-cost, and super powerful computing platform that can-do tasks most similar like a full-blown desktop PC. If you are planning a new electronics or robotics project and looking for the best starter bundle for it, then go nowhere than the Raspberry Pi kit.
Availability: The Raspberry Pi is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved.
Fees: There are no fees to use the Raspberry Pi kit.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Hummingbird Starter Kit
Description: The Hummingbird Robotics Kit is a spin-off product of Carnegie Mellon’s CREATE lab. Hummingbird is designed to enable engineering and robotics activities for ages 13 and up (8 with adult supervision) that involve the making of robots, kinetic sculptures, and animatronics built out of a combination of kit parts and crafting materials.
Availability: The Hummingbird kit is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved
Fees: There are no fees to use the Hummingbird kit
Difficulty:
K'nex
Description: K’nex are creative building toys similar to legos. You can use the instructions to build specific creations or you can let your creativity shine and build whatever you can imagine.
Availability: The K’nex are available for use at all times, unless in use for a class or reserved.
Fees: There are no fees to use the K’nex.
Difficulty:
Makey Makey
Description: Makey Makey is a tiny computer that takes the place of your keyboard. You use it to hook aligator clips to conductive materials and then you use those instead of your keyboard buttons. An example is picture above in which they used playdough buttons to play Super Mario.
Availability: Makey Makey is available for use at all times, unless in use for a class or reserved.
Fees: There are no fees to use the Makey Makey.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Squishy Circuits
Description: Squishy Circuits uses conductive and insulating play dough to teach the basics of electrical circuits in a hands-on way.
Availability: Squishy Circuits are available for use at all times unless in use for a class or reserved.
Fees: There are no fees to use the Squishy Circuits.
Difficulty:
Snap Circuits
Description: Snap Circuits are a hands-on, introduction to electronics. Use the instructional booklets to learn how to piece together the circuits. Learn how to sound an alarm, light up, or turn a fan on.
Availability: Snap Circuits are available for use at all times unless in use for a class or reserved.
Fees: There are no fees to use the Snap Circuits.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Lap Loom
Description: The Lap Loom is used to weave unique wool tapestries. The loom is 18-½” x 14-½”, and is much more versatile than a standing loom.
Availability: The Lap Loom is available for use at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. If you don’t know how to use it feel free to ask any staff member
Fees: There are no fees associated with the Lap Loom unless you do not bring your own yarn.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Scarf Looms
Description: This multipurpose scarf loom can also make socks and hats. The loom also allows for the creation of smaller or larger items.
Availability: The Scarf Loom is available for use at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. If you don’t know how to use it feel free to ask any staff member.
Fees: There are no fees associated with the Lap Loom unless you do not bring your own yarn.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Little Bits
Description: The library has the Little Bits Pro Kit which comes with over 400 pieces. The Pro Kit allows for people to invent anything that they can imagine.
Availability: The Little Bits Kit is available for use at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. If you don’t know how to use it feel free to ask any staff member.
Fees: There are no fees associated with the Little Bits Kit.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Button Maker
Description: We have two sizes of button makers, 1″ and 2.25″ buttons. We have the templates on our computers so that you can make your own button designs. You could also draw your own designs on precut blank buttons. The button makers can also make magnets and keychains.
Availability: The button makers will be available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved.
Fees: The button makers cost $.10 per button, $.15 per magnet, and $.40 per keychain.
2.5 Inch Button Template (Microsoft Publisher)
1 Inch Button Template (Microsoft Publisher)
Difficulty:
Assorted Craft Supplies
Description: We have everything from fabric scissors to popsicle sticks.
Availability: The assorted craft supplies will be available at all times unless in use for a class.
Fees: There are no fees associated with the supplies.
Difficulty:
Dash & Dot
Description: Dash is a real robot, charged and ready to play out of the box. Responding to voice, navigating objects, dancing, and singing, Dash is the robot you always dreamed of having. Use Wonder, Blockly, and other apps to create new behaviors for Dash — doing more with robotics than ever possible. No books or camps needed!
Availability: The Dash & Dot is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. To use this machine, you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fees: N/A
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Wood Burner
Description: Hot wood burning tool with variable temperature control. The points can be changed and used to wood burn solder, cut and carve a variety of surfaces such as, wood and or leather. Includes 11 points such as, Calligraphy, stamping, hot knife and solder.
Availability: The wood burning kit is available always unless being used for a class. Or already reserved.
Fees: N/A
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
MakerBlock Kit
Description: Stem Robot starter kit. Perfect for ages 10 to 14, to learn robotics, electronics and programming.
Availability: kit is available always unless being used for a class. Or already reserved.
Fees: N/A
Difficulty:
GoldieBlox
Description: GoldieBlox Construction toy + storybook set featuring the world’s first girl engineer character, Goldie Blox! This is Goldie’s ultimate kit for the most adventurous innovator! Help Goldie build a doghouse, teacup ride, derby car, drum set, a noisemaker, a guitar, and more! Introduces the real-life skill concepts of mechanical engineering. Perfect for ages 7+.
Availability: Kit is available always unless being used for a class. Or already reserved.
Fees: N/A
Difficulty:
Holy Stone F181 Quadcopter Drone
Description: Holy Stone F181 RC Quadcopter Drone with HD Camera RTF 4 Channel 2.4GHz 6-Gyro Headless System Altitude Hold Function Black
Availability: available always unless being used for a class or already reserved. Also, user must be 13 or older and needs to have a waiver signed by parents unless 18 or older.
Fee: N/A
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Photography Backdrop
Description: We have black, green, white backdrops available.
Availability: Available always unless being used for a class or already reserved.
Fee: N/A
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Photography Lights
Description: We have three photography lights available.
Availability: Available always unless being used for a class or already reserved.
Fee: N/A
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Oculus Rift
Description: The Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset. Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds
Availability: Available always unless being used for a class or already reserved. Also, user must be 13 or older and needs to have a waiver signed by parents unless 18 or older.
Fee: N/A
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Oculus Quest 1 & 2
Description: The Oculus Quest is a virtual reality headset. Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds.
Availability: Available always unless being used for a class or already reserved. Also, user must be 13 or older and needs to have a waiver signed by parents unless 18 or older.
Fees: N/A
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Macbook
Description: Borrow a Macbook with Adobe Creative Cloud installed for use in the STREAM Center. Adobe Creative Cloud includes Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and more.
Availability: Available always unless being used for a class or already reserved.
Fee: N/A
Difficulty:
iPad Pro
Description: iPad Pro and Pencil
Availability: Available always unless being used for a class or already reserved.
Fee: N/A
Difficulty:
Laptop
Description: Laptop with Windows and Solidworks.
Availability: Available always unless being used for a class or already reserved.
Fee: N/A
Difficulty:
Boss Laser
Description: The Boss Laser offers a popular sized engraving area with premium LaserWORKS V8 laser software with direct output to CorelDraw. Works with most graphic programs. Has an auto Focus attachment, honeycomb and Knife Blade platform for cutting and engraving.
Availability: The Boss Laser is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine, you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fee: There is an optional 20 cent per foot fee for protective tape.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Schedule a training session with a KCPL staff person.
Ozobot
Description: Blends coding and creativity in endless fun experiences, uses optical sensors to move around and follow lines that you draw!
Availability: The OZO bots are available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved.
Fee: There are no fees associated with the ozobots.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Lego Boost Set
Description: Includes over 840 LEGO® pieces, plus a LEGO Move Hub, Interactive Motor and a Color & Distance Sensors. Build the M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4) and try out the different tool and customization attachments to prepare the vehicle for an array of exciting activities!
Availability: The Lego Boost Set is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved.
Fee: There are no fees associated with this item.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Lego Mindstorms
Description: LEGO Mindstorms EV3 31313 Unleash the creative powers of LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3! Build TRACK3R, R3PTAR, SPIK3R, EV3RSTORM and GRIPP3R faster than ever before with the amazing free EV3 Programmer App on your tablet. Then use the intuitive drag-and-drop interface to program your favorite robots to walk, talk, think and do anything you can imagine.
Availability: Available always unless being used for a class or already reserved.
Fee: There are no fees associated with this item.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Badge Maker
Description: The Badge Maker is a fun way to make your own Badges and ID cards. Whether you are a start-up business or you’re just trying to create a fun design, you can use our badge making kit to create awesome personal badges.
Availability: The Badge Maker Kit is available for use at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. If you don’t know how to use it feel free to ask any staff member.
Fee: The badge maker costs $1.00 per badge to make.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
Form 3 3D Printer
Description: The Form 3 3D Printer is a low force stereolithography 3D printer that allows you to take a digital file (such as an .stl or .obj file) and turn it into a physical item made of photoreactive resin.
Availability: The Form 3 3D Printer is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine, you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fee: $0.15/mL
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
T-Shirt Printer
Description: Our Epson Surecolor F2100 is a Direct to Garment Printer. You can order shirts directly at the Erlanger branch and then print full color images all the way up to a 14″ x 16″ image. Bring in a flash drive with your poster/design on it.
Availability: The T-shirt printer is available at all times unless in use for a class or reserved. In order to use this machine, you will need to reserve a time with a staff member to be trained on it.
Fee: Shirt prices will start at $5.50 a piece and must be ordered in advance of your appointment.
Manuals & Tutorials:
Difficulty:
