Editor’s Note: This story was produced by Source Media Journalism Fellow Pixie Beavis. Fellows Summer Lugthart and Justice Wheeler contributed photography.
MANSFIELD — If you haven’t been to the Creation Lab at the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library, then summer break is the perfect time to check out this fantastic public resource.
The creative space is located at the library system’s main branch in Mansfield, next to the learning lab on the second floor in the adult reference area.
The library opened its innovative Creation Lab in May, making various technologies such as a laminator, heat press, comb book binder, photo printer, 3D pens, label makers, button makers, 3D printers and an embroidery machine accessible to the public.
A large format printer and a 3D scanner will soon debut in “Phase 2” of the Creation Lab, said Steve Russell, the library’s workforce development coordinator.
The wide range of resources allows for people to create personalized products, from laminated I.D. badges to meticulously embroidered pieces.
Each resource opens up unlimited possibilities of creation.
The do-it-yourself style workshop has no entry fee, but patrons must pay a small amount per project to cover the cost of materials. The lab is self-serve with written instructions and employees available to assist during open hours.
Free classes are also offered to learn skills in things such as 3D printing, but reservations are required.
“This is something that quite a few libraries have been doing, which is to allow people to come in and get hands-on use of very different pieces of equipment — which they may or may not have experience with or may be too expensive for them to get at home or they don’t want to put out the expense without trying first,” Russell said.
“Its purpose is to give anyone the experience of using this technology, the experience to create, to learn and to be inspired.”
Russell said staff at the Creation Lab have learned from patrons and been inspired by their creativity.
“We really thrive on people’s imagination,” Russell said. “The fact that so much of this stuff can be personalized means that people can come up with different things and we think of things that never crossed our minds before.”
Below are photos of the Creation Lab inside the main branch of the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library. (Credit: Source Media journalism fellows) The story continues below.
Inside the library entrance are three words that sum up its mission: “Open To All.” The same is true for the Creation Lab. The layout of the lab allows for each wheeled table to shift, creating an accessible environment to meet anyone’s needs.
There are no age restrictions, though kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
So far, the Creation Lab has been successful, according to Russell. The imagination-based workshop is continuously being bolstered by new ideas, concepts and methods.
Contribute to the creation! Visit the Creation Lab at 43 W. 3rd St. in Mansfield.
The lab is open Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Sundays.
The Ontario branch offers a smaller Creation Station with a laminator and button maker available. No appointment is necessary for the use of the machines at the Ontario branch.
