LPCPL Exchange History
The building that was once the La Porte Telephone Company has seen many uses since its construction in 1895. The Library received the property in 2016 through a generous donation from the family that owned the building and in 2021 it became the LPCPL Exchange.
Through the renovation, historic aspects of the building have been preserved, such as the arch-shaped south-facing windows that had been bricked in and the original “TELEPHONE” sign over the entrance, and the interior boasts an industrial look featuring exposed ductwork, overhead garage door, and polished concrete floors. This is the LPCPL Makerspace where you can use 3D printers, laser cutters, wood lathes, and other tools to create pretty much anything you can imagine. The space also includes an audio and video studio for your use.
It's a great learning space that encourages creativity as you will see by the fun take on the LPCPL logo used throughout the building and the colorful mural titled "La Portal" on the south side of the LPCPL Exchange. The mural, by muralist Alex Ann Allen, was added in September 2024 through collaboration with the Lubeznik Center for the Arts and the Health Foundation of La Porte. The mural was designed with the building's purpose in mind, and was influenced by themes of innovation and inspiration.
LPCPL Exchange Events
Start It! Equipment Training is intended for individuals who would like to begin using equipment at the Library's Makerspace. Complete the Makerspace Safety Training to learn more about safety and age requirements at the Exchange.
A different Equipment Training session is required for each piece of equipment. Choose one piece of equipment from list for your training.
To ensure that all customers are accommodated, we kindly ask that each customer limits their number of trainings to one per week.
Note: It is possible that training may take more than 1 hour.
For training on the Precision Mini Lathe, the Resin 3D Printer, or the Bandsaw, call or email the LPCPL Exchange.
If no Start It! times are available, please call the Exchange to set up a training.
To learn more about the Library's Makerspace visit our website.
Disclaimer(s)
Exchange Safety
During this class, you will work with machinery and a variety of tools. Closed toe shoes are required. Avoid wearing baggy clothing or dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair.
Start It! Equipment Training is intended for individuals who would like to begin using equipment at the Library's Makerspace. Complete the Makerspace Safety Training to learn more about safety and age requirements at the Exchange.
A different Equipment Training session is required for each piece of equipment. Choose one piece of equipment from list for your training.
To ensure that all customers are accommodated, we kindly ask that each customer limits their number of trainings to one per week.
Note: It is possible that training may take more than 1 hour.
For training on the Precision Mini Lathe, the Resin 3D Printer, or the Bandsaw, call or email the LPCPL Exchange.
If no Start It! times are available, please call the Exchange to set up a training.
To learn more about the Library's Makerspace visit our website.
Disclaimer(s)
Exchange Safety
During this class, you will work with machinery and a variety of tools. Closed toe shoes are required. Avoid wearing baggy clothing or dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair.
Start It! Equipment Training is intended for individuals who would like to begin using equipment at the Library's Makerspace. Complete the Makerspace Safety Training to learn more about safety and age requirements at the Exchange.
A different Equipment Training session is required for each piece of equipment. Choose one piece of equipment from list for your training.
To ensure that all customers are accommodated, we kindly ask that each customer limits their number of trainings to one per week.
Note: It is possible that training may take more than 1 hour.
For training on the Precision Mini Lathe, the Resin 3D Printer, or the Bandsaw, call or email the LPCPL Exchange.
If no Start It! times are available, please call the Exchange to set up a training.
To learn more about the Library's Makerspace visit our website.
Disclaimer(s)
Exchange Safety
During this class, you will work with machinery and a variety of tools. Closed toe shoes are required. Avoid wearing baggy clothing or dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair.
Interested in knitting, crochet, hand-sewing, or other needlework projects? Whether you're just learning or have decades of experience, join fellow fiber craft enthusiasts for an evening of stitching!
Start It! Equipment Training is intended for individuals who would like to begin using equipment at the Library's Makerspace. Complete the Makerspace Safety Training to learn more about safety and age requirements at the Exchange.
A different Equipment Training session is required for each piece of equipment. Choose one piece of equipment from list for your training.
To ensure that all customers are accommodated, we kindly ask that each customer limits their number of trainings to one per week.
Note: It is possible that training may take more than 1 hour.
For training on the Precision Mini Lathe, the Resin 3D Printer, or the Bandsaw, call or email the LPCPL Exchange.
If no Start It! times are available, please call the Exchange to set up a training.
To learn more about the Library's Makerspace visit our website.
Disclaimer(s)
Exchange Safety
During this class, you will work with machinery and a variety of tools. Closed toe shoes are required. Avoid wearing baggy clothing or dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair.
Start It! Equipment Training is intended for individuals who would like to begin using equipment at the Library's Makerspace. Complete the Makerspace Safety Training to learn more about safety and age requirements at the Exchange.
A different Equipment Training session is required for each piece of equipment. Choose one piece of equipment from list for your training.
To ensure that all customers are accommodated, we kindly ask that each customer limits their number of trainings to one per week.
Note: It is possible that training may take more than 1 hour.
For training on the Precision Mini Lathe, the Resin 3D Printer, or the Bandsaw, call or email the LPCPL Exchange.
If no Start It! times are available, please call the Exchange to set up a training.
To learn more about the Library's Makerspace visit our website.
Disclaimer(s)
Exchange Safety
During this class, you will work with machinery and a variety of tools. Closed toe shoes are required. Avoid wearing baggy clothing or dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair.
