About

What is LVL1?

LVL1 is a hackerspace (sometimes called a makerspace) in Louisville. Our hackerspace is an open community lab and workshop democratically operated by its membership. We are friendly community of tinkerers, makers, engineers, educators, scientists, artists, hackers and overall geeks. Anyone who is, aspires to be, or just wants to hang around smart, creative, friendly mad scientist maker/hacker Louisvillians is welcome at LVL1! We've got lots of cool tools and equipment. We've got a lot of really bright and creative people. We like to work on (and show off) fun and challenging technical projects.

How to get involved with LVL1

Does this sound like an endeavor you want to be a part of? ... Great! Come and join us!

We highly recommend you show up for one of our Tuesday open meeting and open build nights! We briefly go through some membership agenda items. We tell you what's currently going on at the space. We tell you about any challenges the space is facing (technical or otherwise). People are free to talk about projects they are working on or planning. Then once the meeting is adjourned, free-for-all making continues. We give a tour of the space. Everyone is free to work on projects, socialize and geek out. It's a great time to hang out with fellow geeks working on cool DIY tech projects. You'll probably get inspired!

Again, we highly recommend you come to a meeting. There's a common misperception that you should be a member before coming to these meetings. This is not true! At least 50% of our meeting attendees are ''not'' dues paying members and all of them are welcome. Most of those non-members have no intention of becoming dues paying members. That's fine! There's no pressure to become an official member! Official membership has some awesome benefits and we'd love to have you, but it's cool if you just want to hang out and geek out.

Interest Groups and Projects

Check the What's Happening section of our wiki main page. There are a variety of ever-changing projects and interests at the space. Don't see what you're interested in? Consider starting/hosting a project. We can help by providing work space, tools, and sometimes materials.

Connect with LVL1

Check out our web, wiki, and social media links on our Connect page (click here).

Donations/Support for LVL1

Becoming a member is one way to support LVL1. But you don't have to be a member to teach a class, hold a workshop, participate in our cleanup activities, help upgrade/repair/maintain equipment, etc. If you want to help out, we can find a way for you to do that!

If you buy stuff from Amazon, log in to Amazon Smile and select LVL1 as your favorite non-profit. It doesn't cost you any extra and a small percentage comes our way.

Did you know that LVL1 is a registered 501c3 charitable non-profit organization? That means, among other things, that we can apply for grants and accept donations of equipment or money. Your donations might even be tax-deductible! Check with our treasurer (treasurer@lvl1.org).

You can use this form to donate: