Workshop 88 is a newly founded space where people with common interests; generally in science,…read moretechnology, and/or the digital and electronic arts, can socialize and collaborate. Come share ideas, have fun, learn something new or make something. Meetings and classes are open to the public so if you are interested, drop in. Check the website or follow them on twitter @Workshop88 for details on meetings and other upcoming social events.

Workshop 88 is not closed!…read more They are a lively community of creative talented makers who are active in the maker community, attending Maker Fairs, teaching classes and more. The space is well equipped with 3D printers (dual head, PLA, ABS, delta types), a laser cutter/engraver, vinyl cutters, a wood shop, lathe, mill, metal working tools and much more. There is no access to the space from Main Street which probably led to this confusion. Access to the space is via the parking lot behind main street, the parking lot entrance is actually on Pennsylvania Ave, North and East of the address on main. They have open house Thursday nights - come check it out!

It's a pretty fantastic place as long as you aren't an asshole.read more

From the owner: We are a collaborative community of people driven to foster an environment for the exploration of…read morethe intersections between technology, art and culture. Over 11,000 square feet of tools, equipment, technology, art with over 500 members. Fully member-run, all-volunteer, non-profit. You'll find 3D printers, laser cutters, welding, wood shop, metal shop, arts and crafts and electronics areas with something on our event calendar just about every day.

I recommend them for someone who has knowledge and needs a good atmosphere garage to work in. I…read morehave a volkswagen. I was able to do my brakes there, main coolant hose, among other things.

Great customer service and they have all the tools you need to complete your job successfullyread more

This place is really cool and down to earth. I don't QUITE feel like I fit in, only because I am…read morenot industrious or brainy enough to get into a lot of stuff these folks do, but they have always been welcoming when I've attended their events that are open to non-members. I love when they have board game day! I've also been on a "field trip" with them to visit the You Are Beautiful studio. They've got a ton of stuff going on, and a mostly-comfortable, if industrial atmosphere to hang out. I'm looking forward to visiting when the nice weather returns to check out their new deck and backyard area. Glad they have open events for the public so I can enjoy an interesting time with them without paying membership fees for stuff I wont use. Their "stuff" is pretty cool though! Definitely impressive woodworking area, 3D Printer, I think they mentioned an embroidery machine and vinyl cutting machine, as well as a plethora of tools I personally wouldn't know the names of. Most importantly the members there seem very friendly and welcoming and down to earth. So I'll keep coming back.

Since I have joined a little over one year ago, I am continually impressed by the dynamism of the…read morecommunity. The folks in the group are eager to participate and always looking to make improvements. From woodworking, to coding, all types of tinkerers will be suited at the SSHC, and I look forward to many more years on exploration!

Cuuuuuute alert! For all you artsy crafty mavens out there, this is your stop. It's a shop filled…read morewith a well-curated selection of paper goods, books, coloring books, custom art, fabric lamp shades, and gifts in varying price points. From the second I walked in, I was engulfed by a most delightful smell, perhaps a candle burning somewhere? I was greeted by the owner's assistant, Kate, who gave me an overview of the shop and some of the classes they offer in the back, like coptic bookbinding, collage, crafting, and self-motivation classes. They also have a meet up group called The Grown*Up Girls Club where you can meet up with other like-minded individuals and explore new art/craft/maker techniques. The Club meets the second Sunday of every month. The Collage Cafe is a newer business located in an adorable corridor mixed with other art-inspired shops. You can go door to door and visit each one while you're at it! Can't wait to stop back in. But, as I'm writing this, when I go back I realize the selection is too overwhelming for my taste (in a good way of course) because I want one of everything.

One day my young daughters and I where walking by and came in into this beautiful place, what a…read morewonderful store! The owner is such a great lady, great host, kind and knowledgeable. I scheduled a coloring evening for a group of friends from church. We had a delightful experience! The place was set up with a wide variety of water colors, wood colors pencils, markers, etc. the pages provided were also varied, from really intricate to more simple so we were all able to pick something that suited our taste and level of artistry. We already scheduled another event and are looking forward to it. Definitely a great place for gifts, classes and more.

I joined Fox.Build in June of this year (2023), and I typically work here about three or four days…read morea week. I enjoy the opportunity to come in at all hours (sometimes I need to finish a project late at night). The other members who work here are friendly, down-to-earth, and actually really fascinating. I use Fox.Build for coworking, which is a good way to get out of the house, get around others who are working hard (sometimes it's good to have that buzz of activity going on around you), and be in the middle of the walkable downtown of St. Charles. 5/5 would recommend.

Have been a member since February. Really enjoy the camaraderie and advice in growing my business…read more I work out of fox build 3 days a week. Great selection of tools in the shop

So happy to have made a trip out to the Tool Library. The entrance was a little tricky- in the…read morealley but there are signs leading the way. Once inside I took a quick look at all the tools available for rent (lawn mowers, sanders, paint supplies, even a kitchen aid mixer) and I quickly made a trek to the back of the library to the seed collection. The tool library is providing free seeds for gardening and the selection is enormous. I grabbed several tomato varieties, peppers, herbs, and a handful of wildflowers. Everything is free but there is a suggested limit of 10 packets per person. I'm excited to start gardening and very grateful for this program!

This is hands down one of the coolest places in Chicago! It's a bit of a hike to get all the way…read moreout to Humboldt Park, but CTL has everything from wood planers to tents, and since it operates just like any other library, that means it's also free. I just happened to be there as the owner was subbing for a cashier, and as we were talking, it was so apparent that they love what they do - their energy and enthusiasm for serving Chicago exuded from them and made me excited to be there too. Since most people don't have the space or money to afford their own tools and equipment everytime they need something done, this is an essential resource in any city, and one that I frequent. You can go in person to pick out what you want, but I would suggest going online first the reserve what you need. Once all your items are available, you get an email notification, and you can just go out and pick your items up. You also get a week to return everything, but if you have circumstances that would prevent this, you can let them know and they are more than happy to accommodate an extension. Definitely check this place out next time you have a project you need equipment for!

This place is great. I needed to learn how to weld and what afternoon my instructor completely told…read moreme what to do and I've been doing it on my own ever since. I plan to go back for a refresher because they're so good. They also rent benches if you are a true welder, you can go in there and do your own work for a minimal fee.

Took MIG1 & 2 from Daniel and had a great time. Other people in the class were fun to hang out…read morewith, I felt completely safe all the time, I felt like got good 1 on 1 instruction. I will definitely book some shop time soon so I can practice and then finally weld that bumper I've been meaning to weld for a year!