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Community Resources & Things to Do · 1 resource matching “Central Rappahannock Regional Library (Stafford / Fredericksburg)”
Fredericksburg
Central Rappahannock Regional Library (Stafford / Fredericksburg)
Public library system; The library has twelve facilities
Cost
Library access is free; specific services carry fees where noted: CRRL offers exam proctoring for distance-learning students | CRRL charges for-profit businesses $10 for notarizations
Best fit
kids, teens, ya, families
Before you go
Open year-round. Check hours on the official site before travelling.
What's here
- Makerspace
- 3D printing
- Laser, CNC and vinyl cutting
- Sewing and textiles
- Recording studio
- Video production
- Creative software
- Proctoring and testing
- Notary
- Teen space
- Kids' STEM
- Gaming, esports and VR
Worth the trip for
IdeaSpace combines 3D printing, laser cutting, sewing, embroidery, 3D scanning, AV recording, video conversion, and Tech on the Go equipment checkout in one makerspace
What you can do here
Make 4
Makerspace
IdeaSpace: Making+Media is CRRL’s makerspace, located at 1616 Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg
MakerLab badging appointments provide required equipment training; customers must earn a badge before independently reserving equipment
MakerLab badging is available beginning in grade 6, with additional age restrictions for individual equipment
IdeaSpace access and training are provided at no charge to the community
Source3D printing
IdeaSpace has Bambu Lab and Ultimaker 3D printers; independent use requires a 3D Printing Badge, and customers must select a Bambu printer for badging
3D-printer reservations are for two hours and limited to one reservation per unit per day
IdeaSpace offers a 3D scanner; 3D-scanner badging is available for customers in grade 6 and above
SourceLaser, CNC and vinyl cutting
IdeaSpace has a laser cutter with MakerLab badging instruction and equipment reservations
SourceSewing and textiles
IdeaSpace has Janome sewing machines; the Sewing Machine Badge is available beginning in grade 9
IdeaSpace has an embroidery machine and a serger, with MakerLab badging instruction available
Janome Artistic Digitizer software is available at IdeaSpace for preparing custom embroidery designs
The embroidery machine is used in the Patch Making 101 program
SourceRecord 3
Recording studio
IdeaSpace has an AV Booth and sound booth for audio/video recording
The AV Booth is a 10-by-12-foot audio-visual recording studio with a vocal booth, two condenser microphones, a computer, monitors, and a Focusrite Clarett 8 PreX audio interface
The AV Booth has MakerLab badging instruction and can be reserved after training
SourceVideo production
The AV Booth includes a 4K studio camcorder and a green screen
Tech on the Go provides cameras and camera equipment for checkout for media projects
The annual Teen Stop Motion Video Contest is open to students in grades 6–12 living in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, or Westmoreland, and to any teen with a CRRL library card
SourceCreative software
Janome Artistic Digitizer is available at IdeaSpace for preparing custom embroidery designs
3D-scanned models can be imported into modeling software and animated in programs such as Blender
Open Source Making and Media introduces free, open-source software for illustration, audio editing, and 3D design
SourceLearn 4
Kids' STEM
CRRL offers STEM classes for children and other age groups
The Youth Services Programming Vehicle offers literacy- and STEM-focused programs through after-school homework-club stops, including Stafford Junction, Heritage Park Apartments, and Hazel Hill Apartments
Westmoreland State Park Presents STEM includes Shark Teeth & Fossils in September and Bat Appreciation in October
Newton Branch lists a LEGO Building Lab and KidSpot programs
SourceHomework help
HelpNow/Brainfuse provides real-time online tutoring and homework help every day from 2–11pm for library customers of all ages
Brainfuse provides tutoring and homework help in Spanish for all subjects offered in English, plus expert replies to submitted questions within 24 hours
HelpNow includes a Writing Lab, Test Center, FAFSA help, Language Lab, skill-building lessons, videos, and practice quizzes
Fredericksburg READS Literacy Council offers free one-on-one and small-group tutoring in reading, writing, speaking, citizenship-test preparation, and computer literacy
SourceCareer resources
JobNow lets users create resumes, browse job resources, get interview tips, and chat with live coaches available every day from 2–11pm
VetNow provides live veteran navigators, resume coaching, live tutoring, and information about VA-eligible benefits and community resources
EBSCOlearning Accel helps users build professional and workplace-ready skills
eParachute helps users discover college majors and careers matching their skills and interests
SourceNature and farm programmes
Westmoreland State Park Presents STEM offers programs on shark teeth and fossils and on bats
Snakes of Virginia: Stealthy Wanderers of the Woods is an educational resource about Virginia snakes and their habitat
The Grow a Reader outreach program serves preschoolers at preschools, childcare facilities, and Head Start programs in Fredericksburg, Stafford County, and Spotsylvania County
SourceBorrow 2
Library of Things
CRRL launched a Library of Things collection in 2022
Tech on the Go is a checkout collection of audio and video recording devices; it is available to people age 18 and older who have been issued a CRRL card
Tech on the Go includes Neewer Studio Lights, ring lights, and a Canon EOS Rebel T7 camera capable of recording 4K video
SourceMemory lab and digitisation
IdeaSpace has a video converter with MakerLab badging instruction
SourceTest & notary 2
Proctoring and testing
CRRL offers exam proctoring for distance-learning students; students should submit test materials and schedule an appointment, preferably at least one week in advance
For driving exams, students must show valid photo identification matching the name on the transcript or online sign-in page
The library provides only Chromeboxes/NetStations for proctored exams, does not provide Windows devices, and cannot install test-lockdown software
HelpNow’s Brainfuse Test Center provides live test-preparation support, including preparation for HSPT, ISEE, SSAT, SHSAT, SAT, ACT, CLEP, AP, GRE, GMAT, GED, TASC, and HiSET exams
SourceNotary
Simple notary services are offered by appointment at most library locations
Customers must bring unsigned documents, valid photo identification, and any required witnesses
CRRL charges for-profit businesses $10 for notarizations; public access and nonprofit use are prioritized
CRRL notaries cannot notarize wills, estates, trusts, quitclaim deeds, powers of attorney, or real-estate transactions
SourceHang out 2
Teen space
Café Book lets teens at area schools meet and discuss the latest and hottest books published for teenagers
Annual teen contests include the Claudia Emerson Teen Poetry Contest, Johnny P. Johnson Teen Art Show, and Launch It! Trebuchet Contest
The Teen Stop Motion Video Contest is for grades 6–12 and offers cash prizes
Teen Council Presents: Stop Motion Movie Night is held at Howell for teens seeking inspiration for the Teen Stop Motion Video Contest
SourceGaming, esports and VR
Raspberry PiCade is listed as a technology program on October 16 from 6:00–7:00pm
Pepper, the humanoid robot in IdeaSpace, invites visitors to play a series of games
Teen Game Night is listed among CRRL’s youth events
SourceNamed branches in this system