The IDEA Lab, located on the first floor of the Main Library, is a makerspace and creative technology center that strives to provide our library community with access to a variety of STEAM-related educational, recreational, and cultural resources and experiences.
We encourage patrons to learn and develop new skill sets in this space, through both self-paced experimentation and participation in group learning experiences. We have a variety of equipment and materials available for use, including (but not limited to!) 3D Printers, Cricut cutting machines, a Glowforge laser engraver, sewing and embroidery machines, and vocal recording booths. Whether you already have a project in mind or you’re just curious about our space, we are here to answer your questions and help you start creating.
We also have a rotating selection of board games, card games, and puzzles available for use inside the library. Stop by any time the IDEA Lab is open to check these out.
To view a list of upcoming IDEA Lab programs, please refer to the “IDEA Lab Events” section on the right side of this page. For information about our waiver, making reservations, required equipment training, materials fees, and more, see the FAQ section below. If you have any additional questions, please contact the technology librarian by email at kelsey.johnson@kcpls.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone using the IDEA Lab will need a current KCPL library card in good standing and a signed Makerspace Agreement form (here)*. Some of our equipment also requires training before use.
Children 11 and under must always have a guardian with them in the IDEA Lab.
* Exceptions are made only for scheduled library programs. You may attend a scheduled program in the IDEA Lab even without a library card or waiver. Prior registration may still be required for the program.
We don’t charge any entrance fees for the IDEA Lab, and most of the equipment is free to use with your library card. There are small fees for certain materials, like button makers or doodle pens, and we also have some optional materials and starter kits available for purchase. Any fees will be added to your library card account and can be paid at the circulation desks on the 1st or 3rd floors.
* Materials brought from home are subject to staff approval | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Training is required before using the:
3D Printers
Cricut Machines
Glowforge
Vocal Recording Booths
Sewing & Embroidery Machines
Online training is available through Niche Academy – just create a free account (here), go through the relevant modules, and pass the short quiz at the end with at least an 80%. Print out or take a screenshot of the completion certificate to show the library staff so we can add the training to your account.
If you prefer in-person learning, certain IDEA Lab programs can also count as equipment training. Check the calendar for upcoming programs or ask us for more information about alternative training options.
Reservations are strongly recommended but not required, and can be made through the library’s meeting room reservation system by selecting “IDEA Lab” from the Library Branch drop-down menu (here).
Equipment reservations can be made in 1-to-4-hour increments. There is a 15 minute grace period for arrival during your reservation time; if you are more than 15 minutes late, your reservation is subject to cancellation.
Drop-in equipment usage is available on a first-come, first-served basis during our operating hours.
Once you have completed the required training, you can bring your design in (preferably on a USB flash drive) to be 3D printed. Designs must be saved as an .STL file type so that library staff can slice it on the appropriate software and then load it onto the printer.
Want to try 3D printing but don’t have a design in mind yet? thingiverse.com has several free designs available for download, or tinkercad.com teaches you how to create your own.
While you don’t need an IDEA Lab waiver to check out our games, you will still need a KCPL library card – we’ll have you sign the game in and out on a checkout sheet. Games are only available for use in the library (you can’t check them out to take home), and only during IDEA Lab/TeenZone hours.
There is no fee to check out and play a game, but if any pieces or cards are missing when you return it you may be billed for the full cost of the game.
We do have a games catalog (here) but our collection is constantly being updated, so the best way to find out what games we have is to just stop by and take a look.
IDEA Lab Hours:
Shrinky-Jewelry
Join us in the IDEA Lab to make shrinky-dink jewelry!
Draw your unique design on special shrinking paper, heat it up and watch it shrink, then attach it to the provided jewelry backings to make pins or a set of earrings.
Disclaimer(s)
Registration Required
Registration for this program is required due to limited space and materials. If you cannot attend, please call the library to cancel your registration so the spot may open up to others. A registration will be cancelled and a program spot made available to other patrons if the registrant does not arrive within 10 minutes of the scheduled program time.
Accessibility
Individuals with disabilities who require accommodation to attend a program at any KCPL facility should contact the ADA Coordinator at least 48 hours prior to the event. Phone: 304-343-4646 ext. 1242 or 1268 Email: facilities@kanawhalibrary.org
Main Library Patrons with strollers, wheelchairs, or other wheeled devices will find it easier to use the Jacobson Tower entrance on Quarrier Street or the Skybridge entrance via Summers Street Garage.
Photo & Video
We often photograph and videotape library events. These images are used for publicizing KCPL and its programs. If you do not wish to be photographed, please let the photographer or a staff member know.
Disclaimer(s)
Registration Required
Registration for this program is required due to limited space and materials. If you cannot attend, please call the library to cancel your registration so the spot may open up to others. A registration will be cancelled and a program spot made available to other patrons if the registrant does not arrive within 10 minutes of the scheduled program time.
Check Out Our Instagram Page!
IDEA Lab Picks
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The Maker's Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse
Where will you be when the zombie apocalypse hits? Trapping yourself in the basement? Roasting the family pet? Beheading reanimated neighbors?
No way. You’ll be building fortresses, setting traps, and hoarding supplies, because you, savvy survivor, have snatched up your copy of The Maker's Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse before it’s too late. This indispensable guide to survival after Z-day, written by hardware hacker and zombie anthropologist Simon Monk, will teach you how to generate your own electricity, salvage parts, craft essential electronics, and out-survive the undead.
For anyone from the budding maker to the keen hobbyist, The Maker’s Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse is an essential survival tool.
Uses the Arduino Uno board and Raspberry Pi Model B+ or Model 2 -
Maker Dad
As the editor in chief of MAKE magazine, Mark Frauenfelder has spent years combing through DIY books, but he's never been able to find one with geeky projects he can share with his two daughters.Maker Dad is the first DIY book to use cutting-edge (and affordable) technology in appealing projects for fathers and daughters to do together. These crafts and gadgets are both rewarding to make and delightful to play with. What's more,Maker Dad teaches girls lifelong skills—like computer programming, musicality, and how to use basic hand tools—as well as how to be creative problem solvers.
Innovative and groundbreaking, Maker Dad will inspire fathers to geek out with their daughters and help girls cultivate an early affinity for math, science, and technology.
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The Better Bag Maker
If you want to make gorgeous, quality bags with the professional edge that really makes the difference between home-made and handmade—open The Better Bag Maker by Nicole Mallalieu. In this how-to book accomplished bag maker, Nicole Mallalieu, reveals her high-end techniques, shortcuts, and secrets for professional design and finishes. The 10 featured projects teach a range of expert skills from adjusting the proportion of the pattern to constructing pockets, straps, flaps, and bases.. By the end of this book, you'll have a closetful of polished bags—and most likely sew better than you ever imagined you could.
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Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos: A Maker's Guide to Creating Modern Artifacts
Unleash Your Inner Mechanical Mastermind
Welcome to the wondrous world of Thomas Willeford, aka Lord Archibald "Feathers" Featherstone, in which he shares his closely guarded secrets of Steampunkery. Filled with do-it-yourself projects, Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos: A Maker's Guide to Creating Modern Artifacts shows you how to build exquisite, ingenious contraptions on a budget.
Learn from Lord Featherstone as he distills his wealth of hard-learned skills, describes how to use the readily available tools of the modern mad scientist, and expounds on the art and philosophy of scavenging unique components and raw materials. The perfect companion for the hobbyist and advanced machinist alike, this inventive volume will guide you through the creation of your very own infernal devices.
Visit the companion website, www.mhprofessional.com/steampunk, for videos, images, and more bonus content!
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Quilling Art
"The popular craft of quilling is given a stylish and contemporary update in this fabulous book by Turkish paper artist, Sena Runa. Inside Quilling Art there are 20 stunning projects to make and then display. Beautifully stylised and with a clever use of colour to create exciting effects, these projects will hang well in the most modern of homes. Designs include a butterfly, sail boat, dancer, confetti, cocktail, cloud, heart, cat and mermaid, to name just a few. The projects vary in complexity and will appeal to beginners and experienced quillers alike. They are broken down into concise, fully illustrated step-by-step instructions that are easy to follow, and templates are provided. All the tools, materials and techiques you need to get started are fully covered. The projects will appeal to a wide range of ages, and would make lovely gifts for friends and family. Once you have learned the techniques, you can create your own designs for any number of occasions ... the possibilities are many and varied with this fun and absorbing paper craft."--Provided by publisher.
