While construction crews tear up floors and upgrade the elevator at the Hinsdale Public Library, the Maker Studio down the hall is firing up its laser cutter.

The library at 20 E. Maple St. is running six hands-on workshops through mid-August, including laser-etched bookmarks, sewing basics, and vinyl sticker design, even as the building's $4 million Space Improvement Project passes its halfway mark. All sessions are free and exclusive to library cardholders, with registration required.

John Kokoris, the library's marketing and outreach manager, told The Hinsdalean in mid-July that patrons have rolled with the disruption. "We're really, really happy with how flexible patrons have been when we've moved things around on them," Kokoris said. "It's nice to see how excited people have been, especially lately when they see new lighting, new carpeting, some of those construction barricades coming down."

The Maker Studio lineup spans ages and skill levels. A Coffee Mug Candle session for adults and teens on Monday, Aug. 3, lets participants make a fall-themed wood wick candle. Teens in grades 7–12 can learn to sew an origami tote on Thursday, Aug. 6, and adults can take Sewing Machine Basics on Saturday, Aug. 8. Kids ages 8–12 get a Vinyl Cutter Stickers workshop on Tuesday, Aug. 11, where they'll design stickers for phones, folders, and laptops. A Laser Etched Bookmark session on Wednesday, Aug. 12, is open to adults and teens who want to personalize a design.

One session is already gone.

The family Air-Dry Clay workshop on Thursday, Aug. 13, where participants sculpt with air-dry clay and embellish it with laser-cut acrylic, was fully booked as of Sunday, Aug. 2.

The renovation itself began in late February after the Village Board waived noise-hour restrictions on March 3 to speed the timeline. The project grew out of a 2022 community strategic planning process in which residents asked for a more flexible, accessible, and welcoming space. Library Trustee Magda Sokolowski, who sits on the space planning committee and has a background in architecture, told The Hinsdalean in mid-July that construction is on schedule and that the new first-floor stairwell opening will give the building "a more airy feel and more connected space."

The library closed for three days in mid-July for floor demolition and elevator work, but the Maker Studio's August calendar signals that programming is back at full speed. The library also offers year-round 3D printing: cardholders can submit a design and receive one printed piece free per year, with additional projects at 20 cents per gram of filament.

Registration for open sessions is available at the library's event calendar. The renovation is expected to wrap up in fall 2026.

Hinsdale events ahead: Maker Studio sessions

  • Monday, Aug. 3, 9:30–11 a.m. — Coffee Mug Candle (adults and teens). Make and decorate a fall-themed wood wick candle. Maker Studio. Registration required.
  • Thursday, Aug. 6, 10–11:30 a.m. — Sewing Basics: Origami Tote (grades 7–12). Learn sewing basics and create a tote. Maker Studio. Registration required.
  • Saturday, Aug. 8, 9:30–11 a.m. — Sewing Machine Basics (adults). Learn parts, functions, accessories, and threading. Maker Studio. Registration required.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 11, 6:30–8 p.m. — Vinyl Cutter Stickers (ages 8–12). Design and cut your own stickers. Maker Studio. Registration required.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 12, 6:30–8 p.m. — Laser Etched Bookmark (adults and teens). Personalize a laser-etched bookmark. Maker Studio. Registration required.
  • Thursday, Aug. 13, 6–7 p.m. — Air-Dry Clay (families only). FULLY BOOKED. Each family member must register separately.

All sessions are free and exclusive to Hinsdale Public Library cardholders.