The IDEA Lab

















What is the IDEA Lab?

The IDEA Lab provides the community with a space that promotes Innovation, Design, Engineering, and Art to support its mission of educational, recreational and cultural experiences for families and individuals. We encourage patrons to learn new skill sets and technologies in this space at their own pace independently or as part of a community of Makers.

We offer a variety of equipment and materials, including 3D printers, water and laser cutters, sewing and embroidery machines, vocal booths, 3D pens, augmented reality computers, button makers, and stop motion cameras.

The IDEA Lab is located on the first floor of the Main Library.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mon: 12 pm - 7:30 pm

Tue: 12 pm - 7:30 pm

Wed: 12 pm - 7:30 pm

Thu: 12 pm - 7:30 pm

Fri: 12 pm - 4:30 pm

Sat: 12 pm - 4:30 pm

 

All you need is a library card in good standing, a sign IDEA Lab agreement form, a little bit of training and a whole lot of enthusiasm!

Training is required for the 3D printers, Cricut, Glowforge laser cutter, Wazer water cutter, sewing & embroidery machines, and the vocal booths.

Online training is available through Niche Academy -- just bring in your certificate! Programs will also double as training for anyone who wants to experience hands-on learning.

3D Printer Filament
  • $0.20 per 10g
3D Pen Filament
  • $2.00 per hour of use
Sewing & Embroidery
  • $5.00 Starter Kit
  • Bring your own fabric
  • Thread provided at no charge
Glowforge
  • $5.00 Starter Kit
  • Bring your own materials
Cricut
  • Smart Vinyl: $2.00 per foot
  • Smart Iron-On: $5.00 per foot
  • Cardstock: $0.20 per piece
VCR to DVD
  • $0.20 per DVD
Button Maker
  • $0.20 per button

 

Reservations can be made here.

You must have a library card in good standing, a signed agreement form, and equipment training (when necessary).

Reservations can be made in four hour increments or on a first-come-first-served basis. There is a fifteen minute grace period for reservations; after fifteen minutes, your reservation will be canceled.

Library programs and events take priority. As such, reservations will not be allowed during those times.

We have five 3D printers available in the IDEA Lab.  

The Creality printers are very beginner friendly with a larger print bed. 

The Flashforge is also very beginner friendly and features a touch screen that shows you an image of what is being printed. It is also an enclosed printer, meaning it is great for children.  

The Flsun is a taller printer, making it great for prints such as vases or busts.  

The Mooz 2 is best for small prints, while the Mooz 3 is great because it allows you to use up to 3 colors of filament at a time – perfect for color switching or a gradient effect. 

We want children to have fun exploring new technology and learning new skills in a way that is safe for everyone. Our zSpace augmented reality computers, 3Doodler pens, animation software, coding kits and button makers are a great hands-on introduction for young learners!

Children 12 and under must have a guardian with them in the IDEA Lab at all times.

IDEA Lab Training

Upcoming Events

This event is in the "Teens" group.

HAMMER IT OUT: Hand Stamped Jewelry

2:00pm - 3:00pm
IDEA Lab
Library Branch: IDEA Lab
Age Group: Teens
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, IDEA Lab
Event Details:
Create your own personalized jewelry with our hand stamping kits! Choose from a ring or a bracelet and make some jewelry that says whatever you want it to. ...

Disclaimer(s)

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.

This event is in the "All Ages" group.

Maybe-Sew Blankets

2:00pm - 4:00pm
IDEA Lab
Library Branch: IDEA Lab
Age Group: All Ages
Program Type: Arts & Crafts, IDEA Lab, Summer Library Club
Event Details:
Choose a sew or no-sew option when creating an adorable fleece animal blanket! Blankets will be donated to the Kanawha Charleston Humane Association. Check the calendar for more no-sew blanket programs at our branches. ...

Disclaimer(s)

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.

This event is in the "Elementary: 6-11 Years" group.
This event is in the "Tweens: 10-12 Years" group.
This event is in the "Teens" group.

SpheroBot Zombie Maze

2:00pm - 3:30pm
Main Library
Library Branch: Main Library
Age Group: Elementary: 6-11 Years, Tweens: 10-12 Years, Teens
Program Type: IDEA Lab, STEM, Summer Library Club
Event Details:
The IDEA Lab is coming to your branch! Guide your SpheroBot through a zombie horde to the safety of a hospital! But be careful – if you hit a zombie, you get infected!  ...

Disclaimer(s)

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.

Board and Card Games

We now offer board games for in-house use.
 
•    Check out the games we offer in this catalog! (PDF)
•    These games are only available for use within the library during IDEA Lab/Teen Zone hours. They are not available for checkout.
•    Games can be reserved under the IDEA Lab branch of the Public Meeting Rooms. The listings are general, so just scroll down and pick Board Game for board games or Card Game for card games!
•    Patrons must have a current library card and will have to sign a checkout sheet.
•    If pieces are missing upon return, the patron can be charged for the full price of the game.

IDEA Lab Picks