Sparks's Lab Frequently Asked Questions

Sparks’s Lab is open to Ocean County Library card-holders. Prior to using the OCL Sparks’s Lab, makers must fill out a Maker Agreement Form; and verify his/her identity with a valid Ocean County library card. A minor without a valid library card may verify his/her identity with the library card and valid photo ID of a parent/legal guardian with appropriate legal authority to sign the Maker Agreement Form. Ocean County Library welcomes out-of-county visitors to use Sparks’s Lab. Visitors must show an approved form of identification, as per our Computer & Internet Use policy.

Young children are the responsibility of their parents or caregivers and may not be left unattended in the Sparks’s Lab. Makers under age 9 must be with their parents or caregivers in Sparks’s Lab at all times. Parent/caregiver supervision is recommended for all minors, as the lab contains potentially dangerous tools.

Please see our Equipment page to learn more about what we have available for use in Sparks’s Lab.

Sparks’s Lab offers regular classes on our equipment. Please check our calendar for availability.

Please bring your library card and we will verify that you have signed our Maker Agreement.  Any supplies you will need can be found on the Equipment page.

Sparks’s Lab staff will help troubleshoot equipment issues but will not actively participate in your projects. The library is not responsible for failed projects. We reserve the right to halt, delete, or disallow the creation of any item that violates the Maker Agreement or Ocean County Library policies.

The length of time it takes to print your file will depend on the size of the file. All prints must be completed in under 4 hours. Each patron may request 1 print per month.

No, you must use the PLA filament supplied by the library. Variety and availability of filament colors may vary.

Makers are not permitted to create materials that are:

1. Prohibited by local, state, or federal law.
2. Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others
3. Offensive, obscene, or racist.
4. Functioning weapons.
5. In violation of the library’s Code of Conduct, Computer Use Policy, or any other library or county policy.
6. Violate patent, copyright, trademark, or otherwise infringe upon the intellectual property of others.