What is the Creativity Lab?
The Creativity Lab is a unique meeting room that is offered to the community as a designated creating space for individual or group use. Makers (or aspiring makers!) are invited to use this space to work on their projects or library-offered programs on a drop-in basis. Larger projects may request a room reservation.
This space is only suitable for library users ages 13 and older. Families with younger children can enjoy our Children’s Department and activity spaces.
Readily Available Supplies
As part of our goal to offer this lab as an open resource for makers, the Library provides basic supplies to the public using the Lab. This includes paper, scissors, glue, rulers, writing utensils, and other general supplies. These items are for borrowed use in the Lab only and are not to be taken home by users.
Specialty craft supplies (such as yarn, fabric, vinyl, wood, etc.) can be used in this space but are the responsibility of the maker to obtain. The library will not reimburse individuals who bring their own supplies to use in the Lab.
Library of Things
The Creativity Lab houses our ever-expanding Library of Things collection. New to this collection are items such as a Silhouette Cameo 4 computerized cutter, GoPro, and Brother sewing machine. Library patrons with a library card in good standing are able to check out these items and take home for use – or they may use the items in the Creativity Lab.
The Creativity Lab is the only space in the library designated for crafting and making use of the LIbrary of Things items. For the courtesy of other library users, please use the space as appropriate to your project.
To browse the Library of Things, visit our catalog.
Recurring Programming
Our librarians are excited to bring recurring programs to the Creativity Lab! Learn a new making skill or complete an unique project with our staff. Keep an eye on our website, social media, and newsletter for announcements of these programs.
Monthly Project Kits
Want to make something in this space but not quite sure what to do? Our librarians have you covered!
Each month, we will feature a project kit that can be done in the Creativity Lab. Find these in the baskets located near the entrance. All of the supplies within the baskets are yours to use and keep – but these projects may also require using other supplies in the lab.
These kits are intended to be used within the Creativity Lab by participants 13 and older and are not available as take-home kits.
Room Use Rules
Operating hours: Library opening to 15 minutes prior to close. Room closures will be posted as far in advance as possible.
Must be a library user aged 13 and over to occupy this space.
Some equipment may cause injury. Users are responsible for operating equipment in a safe and appropriate manner.
Leave no trace: you are responsible for cleaning your work area.
Respect communal supplies. Take only what you need and leave all tools in good condition.
Report any problems with equipment or supplies to staff.
You must have a valid West Lafayette Public Library card to use equipment from the Library of Things collection. Some items require a signed waiver.
This space is not reservable unless by approval of Library staff. To inquire about reserving this space for a group project or event, please see staff.
Reserving the Creativity Lab
The Creativity Lab can be closed to drop-in use and reserved for your teen and adult art and creative group needs with staff approval.
Room reservations can be requested via our [meeting room form]. A staff member will contact you on receipt to get more details about your request.
All room reservations are held to the same standards as general drop-in use. Please see the Room Use Rules above and posted on the wall in the Creativity Lab.
No Library meeting space may be used to hold an event that is fee-based or for profit without Library Board approval.
Questions?
We are happy to address any questions you have. Please contact info@wlaf.lib.in.us or call us at 765-743-2261 to reach a Creativity Lab staff member.