Imagine Space

3D printing modelling Laser cutting equipment on a series of tables | Équipement d'impression 3D  de modélisation de découpe laser sur une série de tables

Equipment Certifications and Orientation Appointments

Some Imagine Space equipment requires that clients complete a certification and/or sign an agreement form before they can book the equipment for use.

Appointments for sewing machine orientation [10 min] are available during Imagine Space opening hours.

Appointments for serger and embroidery machine certifications are available on Monday evenings, Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday evenings, and Saturday afternoons.


To use the 3D scanner, an appointment with staff is recommended, as it requires set-up time and hands on assistance.

To use a 3D printer, clients must sign the user agreement form. Staff can also provide an introduction to the process, available during Imagine Space opening hours.

The green screen, camera equipment, and button maker are all available for in-branch use. Schedule an appointment so that staff can have the equipment ready to use.

The Laser Cutter certification process starts with an online video and quiz. It is completed with a certification appointment, available on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Once you have completed the quiz, you will be invited to email the Imagine Space directly to schedule your 1:1 certification.

Book an Appointment

View Equipment Certifications Required

In April 2014, the Ottawa Public Library (OPL) and the U.S. Embassy in Ottawa collaborated to open Ottawa’s first public makerspace entitled Imagine Space – an American corner. Makerspaces are creation and collaboration hubs, offering technologies and tools that allow customers to experiment and to create in a social setting. They are built on the premise that knowledge and learning is often better transmitted via sharing, collective problem solving, and task performance.

The following cutting edge equipment is available in the Imagine Space:

  • 3D printing and modelling
  • Laser cutting
  • Photo, video and audio editing
  • Green screen and video gear
  • Hand tools and electronics
  • Wall-to-wall whiteboard

The Imagine Space laser cutter orientation is now available in a new format.

Orientation Video

Hours for the week of Nov 24, 2025
Day of weekOpening times
Monday1:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Tuesday1:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Wednesday1:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Thursday1:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Friday11:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Next system-wide closure: Dec 25, 2025

  • AirThread Serger

    A 3 and 4 thread serger. Machine has a one-push air threading system; 8-piece feed dog system to grab and feed fabric from knits to denim; a built-in one-step converter to allow for easier changing from 3-thread to 2-thread applications; and a built-in needle threader. Maximum speed: 1,300 spm. Other features include: retractable upper knife, thread cutter, adjustable foot pressure and LED light.

    You need to obtain the Serger Certificate to use this equipment.

    Available at

  • The Brother single needle embroidery machine with free-arm embroidery and free-motion sewing capability.

    You need to obtain the Embroidery Machine Certificate to use this equipment.

    Available at

  • Cricut Maker 3

    The Cricut Maker 3 is a smart cutting machine compatible with 300+ types of materials. Equipped with a Premium Fine-Point Blade, it can cut light- to mid-weight materials such as cardstock, vinyl, iron-on, poster board and light-weight fabrics. Cricut Maker 3 is compatible with Smart Materials for super-long, super-precise cuts up to 12 ft (3.6 m) without a mat. Use with Design Space® app for iOS®, Android™, Windows®, and Mac®. 

    Tips available include the knife blade, rotary cutter and debossing tip.

    Available at

  • Laser cutter - Epilog Helix on Stand

    The Epilog Helix laser cutter utilises a high powered laser to make precision cuts and engravings in a variety of materials, such as paper, wood, acrylic and glass. It has a table size 24" x 18". It has the ability to engrave or cut cylindrical items, like bottles or glasses with the Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment. 

    You need to obtain the Laser Cutter Certificate to use this equipment.

    Available at

  • Laser cutter - Epilog mini

    The Epilog Mini 24 laser cutter utilises a high powered laser to make precision cuts and engravings in a variety of materials, such as paper, wood, acrylic and glass. It has a table size of 24" x 12". It has the ability to engrave or cut cylindrical items, like bottles or glasses with the Rim-Drive Rotary Attachment. 

    You need to obtain the Laser Cutter Certificate to use this equipment.

    Available at

  • Front view of a Makerbot 3D Printer

    The MakerBot Replicator+ is a very user friendly device that customers can operate themselves. Makerbots work by melting a plastic filament, then extruding the liquid through a brass nozzle – just like a hot glue gun. The liquid quickly cools and hardens into shape.

    Available at

  • Front view of a Makerbot 3D Printer

    The MakerBot Replicator+ is a very user friendly device that customers can operate themselves. Makerbots work by melting a plastic filament, then extruding the liquid through a brass nozzle – just like a hot glue gun. The liquid quickly cools and hardens into shape.

    Available at

  • Front view of a Makerbot 3D Printer

    The MakerBot Replicator+ is a very user friendly device that customers can operate themselves. Makerbots work by melting a plastic filament, then extruding the liquid through a brass nozzle – just like a hot glue gun. The liquid quickly cools and hardens into shape.

    Available at

  • "This computerized machine includes a free arm with 30 built-in stitches, jam-proof top drop-in bobbin and many high-end features." Features include: snap on presser feet; drop feed; maximum stitch width: 7mm and maximum stitch length: 5 mm; 6 one-step buttonholes; 7-piece feed dog; auto declutch bobbin winder and a backlit LED screen with easy navigation keys.

    You need to obtain the Sewing Machine Certificate to use this equipment.

    Available at