Library embraces new technology at learning lab
Having an Okanagan Regional Library card has always been a good value, but starting Saturday the card will unleash a whole world of creativity and imagination as the Westside Learning Lab ofÀcially opens. The new 2,800-square-foot space located in the Okanagan Shopping Centre near the Landmark Xtreme 8 theatres offers a Áexible space to encourage learning and creating. “I’m pretty excited,” said Jessica Whu, branch head for the learning lab and the Westbank Library. “Out of 10, I'd say probably above 10. We’ve been waiting for this space for a long time.” People can tour the learning lab Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy a piece of cake and take part in the demonstrations of the new technology. The learning lab offers a classroom space with 10 reservable laptop computers and a large screen that can be accessed wirelessly. The furniture is on wheels so the space can be tailored to the users’ needs, whether it’s a classroom, a theatre conÀguration for a speaker or even a get-together brunch. “These kinds of spaces are some of the last spaces people can come and get together with a group or meet their friend and not be obligated to buy something, “said Michal Utko, director of marketing and communications for the Okanagan Regional Library. The space can be reserved online with a library card. Two sets of sliding glass doors can be used to add space to the room if needed. Behind one set of glass doors is the learning lab’s small collection of books on mobile shelving so the space can be reconÀgured as needed. The room also offers two public internet stations and a reading nook. A smaller meeting room is currently set up with digitization stations, which people can reserve with their library cards to digitize home movies from their VHS tapes, photographs, slides, negatives, vinyl records and even cassette tapes for free. Toward the back of the Learning Lab is the Tech Zone, where people’s creativity can run wild with the technology to support it, including a 3D printer, a green screen wall and a digital media computer outÀtted with the Adobe Creative Suite. Users can test the 3D printer for free, but those who want to bring their own projects will be responsible for the filament, which the library will sell by weight. There is also a Cricut precision cutting machine, a crafter’s dream that can be programmed to cut card stock, wood, fabric, heat transfer vinyl for prints on shirts or bags, or vinyl for decals and stickers. People can use their library card to reserve the audio recording studio sound booth and record their music, audio stories or make a podcast for free “We want people who are curious to come in and discover things and then to be inspired,” said Whu. “Part of our vision of the library is to support creativity and imagination and so we're really excited to open our doors to the community and see people use our space.” The learning lab will be offering workshops for people to learn to use the technology. Book online at orl.bc.ca/hours-locations/learning-lab.