The TMS Toolshed is the Hilldale Free Public Library’s makerspace. Located on the 3rd floor, the toolshed includes a variety of low-tech and high-tech tools for use by the public.

About Think It, Make It, Share It

Think It, Make It Share It (TMS) promotes the creative resources and programs available to patrons at the Hillsdale Free Public Library.

Visit the Think It, Make It, Share It page for information about upcoming and recent TMS events and opportunities.

TMS history:

The Think It, Make It, Share It (TMS) program started in 2011 as a six-month arc of creative programs and opportunities presented at the Hillsdale Free Public Library. The community was invited to share its creativity at a one-day exhibit called “Imagipalooza” on April 21, 2012.

In 2014, the Hillsdale Library was awarded a contract from the State Library and LibraryLinkNJ, the New Jersey Library Cooperative, in the amount of $3,750, the maximum award permitted. Hillsdale Library was one of the 10 libraries to receive funding out of a total of 38 applicants. With these funds and donations from the Friends of the Library, the Paskack Junior Women’s Club, and generous individual supporters, the library expanded its weekly ad-hoc crafting programs and dedicated a permanent mini-maker space on the main floor.

The idea of New Jersey Makers Day also began in 2014. (Read more about the day’s origin at njmakersday.org/about.) In 2015, the Hillsdale Library participated in the first New Jersey Makers Day event as a founding member.

In 2021, the makerspace was relocated to a larger room on the 3rd floor and recast as the TMS Toolshed.

TMS tools use policies

This Hillsdale Free Public Library policies cover requirements related to safety, training, user restrictions, materials and fees, copyright limitations, and scheduling time for using the various TMS Toolshed tools offered by the library. Some tools may have additional use guidelines; if so, they are noted on each tool’s web page.

The library reviewed the policies of several libraries in creating these policies, including Gloucester County Library System (NJ), Piscataway Public Library (NJ), Elmhurst Public Library (IL), and Harris County Public Library (TX).

Safety:

Safety is the primary concern regarding the use of library equipment. The Library reserves the right to refuse the use of equipment at any time for reasons of safety. Procedures for each tool vary and can change. Library staff will establish procedures and post them to the website for reference.

Training:

The library shall provide opportunities for training either by appointment or by classes. Users that demonstrate competency in the use of a particular tool will be issued a document that can be presented to staff when scheduling future use of the tool.

Users:

• Users are not restricted by residency; however, the library may give priority to Hillsdale residents.
• The library may use registration forms for the purposes of scheduling tool use and tracking training. (Some tools require special training for safety purposes.)
• Users that violate any policies or procedures will forfeit future use of equipment.
• Age limits may be placed on certain equipment. Staff and/or designated volunteers may request that a parent or guardian be present if users are under the age of 14.

Materials and fees:

The library may charge fees for the materials it provides. Examples include PLA filament, iron-on vinyl transfer film, plywood, fabric backing, etc. Fees will be posted on the website. Users using their own materials must have those materials approved by a designated staff or volunteer.

The library cannot guarantee the success of any project. Failed prints, cuts, or other fabrication resulting in loss of materials may still incur a material fee. The library will not reimburse users for loss of their own materials due to a failed project.

Limitations on use:

Projects must be completed during regular public service hours. If staff determine that a proposed project plan cannot be finished within the scheduled time frame, the request may be rescheduled.

The library’s equipment may not be used to fabricate any items, in part, or in whole, that are:

• Prohibited by local, state, or federal law
• Used as weapons
• Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or pose a threat to the well-being of others
• Obscene, offensive, threatening, or otherwise inappropriate for the public library environment, at the discretion of the library (Written appeals may be directed to the Library Board.)
• In violation of another’s intellectual property rights.