Innovation hub challenges the curious to be creative
The name says it all: Innovation Hub at the Niagara Falls Public Library.
Formerly known as the media lab, the innovation hub challenges curious people to be creative and try something new at their library.
For those interested in making their own music, we have what you need to get started. A Yamaha digital piano, along with acoustic and electric guitars (with amp), mics and professional quality recording software for creating and editing your own music hit. Along with music, the innovation hub offers a green screen, lighting kit and video camera to take that music hit to the next level and into the video realm.
Everything old is new again in our Memory Lab. Don’t keep those old movies in a box collecting dust — we have the equipment to convert your 8-mm and Super-8 movies, VHS and VHSC tapes, slides, audio cassettes and vinyl LPs to digital. All of our equipment is free to use but must be booked through our website or by calling the library.
While it’s nice to have the latest technology at your fingertips, for some, a 3D printer can be a bit pricey to purchase. There are three models of 3D printers available in our innovation hub — MakerBot 2 and Lulzbot 2 Mini, for plastic prints and Formlabs Form 2, a resin printer. Make jewelry, figurines, tools and whatever else you would like.
Boost your group’s profile or just be you by wearing a button proudly. The Victoria Avenue library has button makers. You can create one- and 2¼-inch buttons right in our innovation hub and sport your creativity in style. If you need to do some mending or just plain want to be creative, you can also try out the Janome sewing machine. The library has some spare fabric to use while trying it out with and once you get the hang of it, the sky’s the limit.
For kids looking to gain babysitting skills, the Home Alone program teaches how to deal with emergencies and other potentially serious situations, handle phone calls and visitors, recognize hazards and follow home safety procedures. Other topics include first aid basics, healthy eating, fire safety and how and when to use 911. This course is designed for nine- and 10-year-olds by the Canadian Safety Council. Register by calling St. John Ambulance at 905356-7340. The cost is $40.
Our fall programming registration has begun and the innovation hub is located at our Victoria Avenue library. Register for programs or find out about the hub and the Memory Lab at my.nflibrary.ca/calendar or by calling us at 905-356-8080.