The Labs

• Consent from parent(s) or legal guardian(s) is required for persons under the age of 18.
• Youth 6-12 may only participate with their parent(s) or legal guardian(s). The parent(s) or legal guardian(s) must actively participate with their child in all programs and services.
• Children under 6 may not participate.

1. Sign the Labs Participant Release Form.
2. Sign up for a Labs Machine Intro or DIY Session. Bring your valid government issued ID and DC Public Library Card.
3. Review the Labs Safety Guidelines and complete the corresponding machine Intro or DIY Session orientation at the beginning of your appointment.

Arriving fifteen (15) minutes or more late will prevent you from being admitted into your appointment. DIY sessions may be forfeited and given to other participants. If you know you can no longer make it, please cancel at least 48 hours in advance by calling or emailing us.

To remain safe around Fabrication Lab machinery please avoid wearing loose clothing. Pull back your long hair or beard, necklaces or scarves and wear closed toe shoes.

Some programs have limited capacity for safety. When programs are full, there is no waitlist.

Labs staff may register you for a program or service by calling or visiting the Labs.

• Please review these Safety Guidelines, below, and return a completed Labs Participant Release Form. A completed and verified form is required before participating at the Labs.
• When using Labs equipment, if it malfunctions (makes strange noises, catches fire, or starts to jam), stop using it immediately and notify a staff member.
• Be alert and aware of the space, people and equipment around you at all times.
• The Labs reserves the right to end a project or job that produces disruptive odors or unsafe conditions. Library participants may need to retake Intro workshop(s) or orientations when improper or unsafe use of equipment is observed.

1. Use of all Labs spaces, equipment and software is by appointment only.
2. Your reservation is forfeited if you arrive more than 15 minutes after your DIY Session start time. If you are going to be late, please call 202-727-1058 or email labs.dcpl@dc.gov to inform Labs staff.
3. You must abide by the DC Public Library’s Rules of Behavior at all times.
4. No food is allowed in the Labs. Drinks in covered containers are okay.
5. Store your digital files on your own hard drive, flash drive, or cloud-based storage; otherwise, files will be deleted from Labs computers, laptops, or equipment.
6. Physical items related to Labs projects may be stored up to seven days in the Fabrication Lab lockers.
7. No Labs equipment may be removed from Labs spaces at any time.
8. Never perform work while impaired, stressed, tired or otherwise unable to work carefully.
9. Never interrupt or distract an individual using a machine or tool.
10. Always dress appropriately and tie back long beards and hair. Never wear loose­-fitting clothing, headphones, dangling jewelry, or anything else that could get caught in machinery. Always wear closed toe shoes that protect your feet and toes.
11. Ensure all guards and shields are in place and all necessary filters are turned on prior to operating machines.
12. Always check your materials for any loose metal such as screws, nails, staples or pins before using it the Labs equipment.
13. Never place your hands near the cutting or heating mechanism or the moving parts of a tool or machine.
14. Never leave equipment unattended while in operation.
15. Keep your work area clean. Ensure that cords, bags, project materials or other personal belongings are not in the way of others or create any hazards while at the Labs.
16. Always report any injuries to staff immediately.
17. Any content you create using Labs spaces, equipment or software must not violate U.S. or D.C. laws and does not express the views of the DC Public Library.