Laser cutter at Glen Ellyn Public Library?

My local library, the Glen Ellyn Public Library, has had some laser-cutting classes! The next one is a class called “Laser Cutter: Beeswax Candle“. So maybe that means GEPL has a laser cutter for public use?!

There is no official page on the GEPL site saying that there is a laser cutter. The only mentions are:

• Glen Ellyn Library Foundation: “What we fund: 2021 | FSL Muse 3D Autofocus Desktop CO2 Laser Cutter“
• GivingTuesday “To date, the Foundation has helped fund the outreach van, laser cutter, 3D printer, Short Story Dispenser, self-checkout machines, Teen Scene room, and Library cafe.”
• Get to Know Maker Librarian Allie Ellis “What is your favorite piece of makerspace equipment? My three favorites have always been the laser cutter/engraver, the large format printer, and the embroidery machine.”
• Nov 21, 2023 Laser Engraver: Thanksgiving Wood Spoon: “Engrave a one-of-a-kind unfinished wood spoon as a Thanksgiving keepsake or gift.”
• Dec 21, 2023 Laser Cutter: Beeswax Candle: “Create and decorate a beeswax candle to light the darkness of the winter solstice during the winter celebration of many cultures. Supplies provided.”

Unfortunately, the upcoming class has no seats available. I’m on a waitlist. I’ve long wanted my local library to have a laser cutter; and here they had one since 2021? I’m hoping they allow the public to use it.

I’ve long wanted to experiment with a laser engraver. Specifically to make baseball scorecards on wood. Now, maybe this will be my chance.

Update

The Glen Ellyn Public Library got back to me. A Makerspace has been in the works at GEPL. Construction is set to begin in January of 2024. Once the Makerspace is complete, there will be a laser cutter/engraver available for public use.

2024—the year of the laser!