Solid colors got you down? Then try Transparent Ink! 

Transparent ink starts with a neutral base that is also called Mixing White. A small amount of pigment is added in order to blend a lighter shade of the main color. This shade allows other colors printed underneath to show through, creating a unique effect as well as opportunities for color mixing when overprinting. 

We'll demo some quick principles of basic ink mixing for you to observe, and blend up a rainbow of transparent tones for you to print with on a Vandercook cylinder press. 

Do you have something you want to design or print on a 3D printer? This open lab will provide access to the library's 3D printing resources including printers, filament, and design stations! Time will be allotted for printing larger items, as well as opportunities to ask questions about the library's 3D printers or troubleshoot your own.

Conduct some hands-on experimentation with words, sounds, technology, and images to produce your own unique poems. We'll have stations where you can create electrified blackout poetry, Dadaist cutups, concrete poetry, and more.

Letterpress is the traditional process of printing by hand using moveable type. This lab will feature a short guided activity to get familiar with assembling & printing a letterpress project. Participants will be able to use wood type, handset lead type and ornaments, and learn how to hand ink and print on a Vandercook cylinder press. If you like, stay longer to work on a more involved project.

New to letterpress? Please arrive at the start of the program for a 20-minute demonstration of how to use our equipment.

Come join us to make greeting cards that are perfect for spring, using the technique of Gel Plate Printing! We will provide the materials and give you a brief demonstration on the Gel Printing technique.

Drop in and learn a bit of soldering to make your very own light-up Secret Lab or robot badge!

Due to the use of soldering irons, we recommend that children be accompanied by an adult.

This event is part of the Ann Arbor Creativity and Making Expo. Find out more here.

Sewing instructor Rae Hoekstra of Made By Rae will do a demo on creating elastic waistbands. Join us for an evening of sewing. We will have our lab’s machines set up and staff will be on hand to show you the basics. You can bring a project you’ve been working on, or just stop by to practice your stitches. We welcome all sewing skill levels. No prior knowledge is necessary.

This program is intended for Grade 6 and up.

We'll walk you through how to use analog tools to design a two-color risograph print, this time with India ink. Following the event, participants will copies of their design.

Build your own small design out of LEGO and then pull a print of it using our letterpress printing presses.

Note: No equipment from our Open Letterpress Labs will be accessible during this event. There will only be LEGO Letterpress happening.

Explore coding with Scratch's drag-and-drop interface. If you've never tried coding before, this is the place to start. And if you're a Scratch pro, come and show off what you can make Scratch Cat do!

Letterpress is the traditional process of printing by hand using moveable type. This lab will feature a short guided activity to get familiar with assembling & printing a letterpress project. Participants will be able to use wood type, handset lead type and ornaments, and learn how to hand ink and print on a Vandercook cylinder press. If you like, stay longer to work on a more involved project.

New to letterpress? Please arrive at the start of the program for a 20-minute demonstration of how to use our equipment.

Join us in making simple sugar scrubs to exfoliate your skin!

Learn basic sewing skills and make a satin headscarf. This program is intended for beginners and inclusive of school-age kids.

Interested in learning about 3D printing? Join us for an informative session about the hobby itself and the library's resources for 3D printing! The session will allow for questions and answers and patrons will be able to print a small object to take home.

Letterpress is the traditional process of printing by hand using moveable type. This lab will feature a short guided activity to get familiar with assembling & printing a letterpress project. Participants will be able to use wood type, handset lead type and ornaments, and learn how to hand ink and print on a Vandercook cylinder press. If you like, stay longer to work on a more involved project.

New to letterpress? Please arrive at the start of the program for a 20-minute demonstration of how to use our equipment.

Join us in the Secret Lab for open use of the Library's Heat Press. Bring a design with you, or come with an idea. We'll have laptops set up for optimizing your design which will be cut into heat transfer vinyl using a silhouette cameo. Tote bags will be provided, or bring your own t-shirt or other fabric material to press your design onto.

Due to the equipment used, this program is intended for adults.

Build your own pop pop boat that actually moves through the water with a small working steam engine!

Adult supervision is recommended as this event involves cutting metal and small flames.

Do you have something you want to design or print on a 3D printer? This open lab will provide access to the library's 3D printing resources including printers, filament, and design stations! Time will be allotted for printing larger items, as well as opportunities to ask questions about the library's 3D printers or troubleshoot your own.

Use our 1.25 inch and 2.25 inch button makers to create pinback buttons! Bring your own images, cut images out of provided magazines, or draw your own.

Learn about electricity while making simple circuits with conductive tape and dough.