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Cambridge Public Library > All Locations > Main Library > The Hive
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The Hive

Getting Started

Are you curious? Creative? Learn how to use our makerspace!
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Digital & Traditional Fabrication

Use our equipment, tools and spaces to create your projects.
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Multimedia Recording

Use our two studios to create audio and video projects.
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Extended Reality

Use our extended reality studio to experience augmented and virtual realities.
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About

hive logo

The Hive is a hub for STEAM learning, creativity, and community collaboration in Cambridge. Its mission is to provide free, hands-on learning opportunities to the Cambridge community, resources for personal projects and to serve as a hub for skill sharing and creative collaboration.

  • We center equity.
  • We spark creativity.
  • You are welcome.
  • We will help!

The Hive is part of STEAM at the Library. Learn about other STEAM offerings at the Library here.

Features

  • Hive Safety Training: Required introduction to the space.
  • 101 Workshops: Get trained on the basics of the equipment and spaces in The Hive.
  • Equipment & Studio Reservations: Once you have been trained on equipment and spaces basics, reserve time in The Hive.
  • Other Workshops & Events: Specialty workshops and programs offered throughout the year.

Visit our calendar to see what is coming up.

Coming Up

Open Shop (Main)

Monday, December 15 @ 1:30 PM
During Open Shop, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Additionally, individuals are welcome to drop in to work on their projects independently. The Hive staff will assist with questions as they are able! New makers are also welcome to come in during open shop for a 10min drop in video safety training! Tool Reservations for this date will open two weeks prior from this date.
Learn More

Open Shop (Main)

Tuesday, December 16 @ 1:30 PM
During Open Shop, anyone who has completed Hive training and is badged can reserve Hive equipment or studio spaces. Additionally, individuals are welcome to drop in to work on their projects independently. The Hive staff will assist with questions as they are able! New makers are also welcome to come in during open shop for a 10min drop in video safety training! Tool Reservations for this date will open two weeks prior from this date.
Learn More

3D Printing 101 (Main)

Tuesday, December 16 @ 7:00 PM
Learn to 3D print items in our library and create a 3D model to print using our Prusa 3D printers! Before taking this workshop: Complete Hive Safety Training Create a free Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com You will get hands-on experience running the 3D printer, gain fundamental 3D modeling skills using Tinkercad, and earn your 3D Printing certification for future reservations in The Hive. Create a Tinkercad account at www.tinkercad.com prior to arriving. Parents may need to assist users under the age of 18 to create an account prior to arriving. You must complete Hive Safety Training before registering for this workshop.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who can be a maker in The Hive?

The Hive is open to individuals with a Minuteman library card. The space is designed for independent use for patrons ages 12 and up and supervised use for children under the age of 12.

How do I reserve equipment and spaces?

Makers can reserve equipment in our fab lab and spaces (XR lab, multimedia studio, podcasting studio) through our booking system. Reservations can be made online, over the phone, or in person.

How do I contact The Hive?

Stop by and visit us on L2 at the Main Library! Alternatively, you can reach us by email or phone.
Email: thehive@cambridgema.gov 
Phone: 857-235-9819

Explore the Maker Community

CCTV

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The Foundry

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Media Arts Studio

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For More Information

To learn more about local STEAM programs, visit the Cambridge STEAM Initiative website

Contact Us

How can we help?

Please provide as much detail below as possible so City staff can respond to your inquiry:

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Read our complete privacy statement

Service Requests

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