What is a FabLab?
A small-scale workshop offering digital fabrication. It’s an open access, not-for-profit, community resource where anybody can invent and make just about anything.
What’s in a FabLab?
An evolving array of flexible computer controlled machines that allow you to invent, make and share. You could print t-shirts, design & produce 3D prints, make beautiful embroidered designs, laser cut dreamcatchers from wood or perspex or CNC machine an electric guitar.
Who can use a FabLab?
FabLabs are open to anybody who wants to learn about digital making to invent, create and design, and turn ideas into reality. The facilities are often used by makers, designers, local businesses, inventors, artists and entrepreneurs. We welcome school and group visits too. We offer a workshop programme throughout the year for both children and adults.
For further information, please email fablab@librariesunlimited.org.uk
How do I become a member?
Please see our membership page for more details.
How do I become a volunteer?
Volunteering in the lab is all about learning, teaching and helping others to create and understand. We ask all our volunteers to be available on a weekly or fortnightly basis. We are always keen to hear from people with Engineering, Art & Design and Teaching backgrounds.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please email us at fablab@librariesunlimited.org.uk
How can businesses use a FabLab?
Commercial activities can be prototyped and incubated in a FabLab. If you have a product idea that you would to design and prototype please contact us through email. We offer two tiers of Business Membership – please see our membership page for further details.
Where are the FabLabs?
Exeter FabLab is at the far end of the ground floor next to the Business and Information Hub. It was the first to ever open in a UK public library.
Barnstaple FabLab is on the first floor of Barnstaple Library, next to the computer training suite.
Please note: Opening times for both sites are subject to volunteer and tutor availability. If you would like to check before visiting, please phone Barnstaple on 01271 318780 and for Exeter 01392 547849 or please email fablab@librariesunlimited.org.uk to make an appointment.
Who supports the Fab Lab project?
The FabLab project was originally funded by Devon County Council, the ACE Bridge Challenge Fund run by the Real Ideas Organisation and the Digital Makers Fund (run by Nesta and Nominet Trust, in partnership with Autodesk). Barnstaple Library FabLab was set up with Arts Council England funding. Both sites are now run by Libraries Unlimited which is the local reading charity that runs libraries across Devon and Torbay.
