Closure Notice
Please note: The Creative Lab will be closed from Friday, April 26 to Sunday, May 12.
Any 3D print jobs submitted during that time will be processed after May 12.
Creative Lab
Creative Lab Contact Info
Creative Lab Code of Conduct
The Creative Lab strives to create an inclusive, welcoming, innovative, and collaborative creative space for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual identity, age, body size, disability, sex characteristics, gender identity, level of experience, education, socio-economic status, nationality, or personal appearance.
This is a place for all to learn, explore, innovate, and unleash their creativity.
The Library and the Creative Lab has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and discrimination in any form.
Respect and welcome everyone who comes to use the space.
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Everyone is creative.
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Be considerate of each other’s projects.
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Follow all proper safety precautions and use appropriate PPE for each machine and activity.
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Leave the space as you found it.
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Put tools back in their proper locations.
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Keep projects and materials organized.
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Equipment is expensive, be mindful and use with care.
“If plan A doesn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters – 204 if you’re in Japan.” ~ Claire Cook
*The Creative Lab is subject to all related library policies.
Hours
Creative Lab Open Hours
Come see our assortment of hardware, software and technologies to spur your creativity!
Tinker Corner
The Creative Lab has an area of the lab meant specifically for kids to explore science and technology. Equipped with access to Snap Circuits, Lego Boost, Makey-Makey, Ozobots, and other robots and items, users can explore and play with tech.
Read on for more information.
The Creative Lab has an area of the lab meant specifically for kids to explore science and technology. Equipped with access to Snap Circuits, Lego Boost, Makey-Makey, Ozobots, and other robots and items, users can explore and play with tech.
Children under the age of 12 should be supervised by a responsible adult. As the space will have many small pieces, the are is not apporpriate for young children who may put small items in their mouths (ages 4 and under).
Staff will assist where possible, but may not be experts on all items. On designated Tinker Time, there will be a volunteer available to assist with use of the robots and tech.
What is a Digitization Station?
Convert your analog memories to digital files!
Please note that all media (VHS tapes, photos, documents, audiocasettes, movies, and records) is susceptible to damage. BWGPL is not responsible for any damage that may occur to your media by using our equipment. Please do not use any media that is damaged, as it may damage the equipment in the Digitization Station or further damage the media.
By using the Digitization Station equipment, you are confirming that you are the copyright holder for all media that you digitize. You also agree that the BWGPL will take no responsibility for any copyright violations that may occur as a result of using the equipment and/or software. Refer to the copyright poster in the Creative Lab for further information.
When you book the digitization station, you have access to:
1. Canon Canoscan 9000F scanner - scan your photos, documents, slides or negative.
a) You will need a digital storage device to save the files - bring a USB flash drive or an SD card.
b) Basic editing is available using the software on the scanner, but there are several software options for more advanced editing using the iMacs and either open source software or programs available on the Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g. Photoshop and Lightroom).
2. VHS conversions using Elgato Video Capture software and our VHS player
a) You will need a digital storage device to save the files - bring a USB flash drive or SD card.
b) You will also need wired headphones to check sound recording.
c) Basic editing is available using the Elegato software, but there are several software options for more advanced editing using the iMacs and either open source software (blender) or programs available on the Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g. Premiere Pro).
3. Audio cassette conversions using EZ Vinyl Tape Converter and Ion Tape 2-PC player
a) You will need a digital storage device to save the files - bring a USB flash drive or SD card.
b) You will also need wired headphones.
c) Basic editing is available at the Digitization Station, but there are several software options for more advanced editing using the iMacs and either open source software (Audacity) or programs available on the Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g. Audition).
4. Wolverine MovieMaker Pro -for 8mm and Super 8 movie conversions.
a) You will need an SD card to save the files - it must be 32GB or less
b) There are no editing options available on MovieMaker, but there are several software options for more advanced editing using the iMacs and either open source software (blender) or programs available on the Adobe Creative Clou (e.g. Premiere Pro).
5. Vinyl record conversions using Audio Technical Stereo Turntable and Audacity software
a) You will need a digital storage device to save the files - bring a USB flash drive or an SD card.
b) You will also need wired headphones.
c) Editing is available using the software on the Digitization Station, but there are several software options for more advanced editing using the iMacs and either open source software (Audacity) or programs available on the Adobe Creative Cloud (e.g.Audition).
Digitization Station Important Information
Media (VHS tapes, cassette tapes vinyl records, photos, slides and negatives) is susceptible to damage. The Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library is not responsible for any damage that may occur to your media by using the equipment. Do not use any media that is damaged, as doing so may damage the equipment in the Digitization Station or further damage the tape.
By using the Digitization Station equipment, you are confirming that you are the copyright holder for all media and content that you digitize. You also agree that the Bradford West Gwillimbury Public Library will take no responsibility for any copyright violations that may occur as a result of using the equipment and/or software. Refer to our copyright poster for further information.
Sewing Machine
A Singer Quantum Stylist 9600 sewing machine is available for use in the Creative Lab. The sewing machine has over 600 available stitches, makes buttonholes, and works well with a variety of fabrics.
Read on for more information on this machine and how to use it in the Creative Lab.
A Singer Quantum Stylist 9600 sewing machine is available for use in the Creative Lab. The sewing machine has over 600 available stitches, makes buttonholes, and works well with a variety of fabrics.
Users are expected to to provide their own fabric. There is some thread available at the lab, but we recommend bringing your own thread, especially if you require matching colours or a specific strength.
The Creative Lab also has basic sewing accessories available for use. Users are required to purchase a sewing kit, comprising of a sewing needle and bobbin, available at the Lab for $1, prior to their first use. Staff are available to assist in the basic machine operations, threading, winding, bobbins, changing feet, but are unable to provide sewing instruction.
Book a Help Appointment
Creative Lab staff are available for one hour help sessions about our equipment and software. Times and dates for appointments are subject to staffing availability. Please contact the Creative Lab at creativelab@bradford.library.on.ca or 905-775-3328 ext. 6108.
3D Printer
The BWG Library Creative Lab’s 3D printer is now available to print your 3D designs. You can submit your files in person during drop-in hours or by emailing creativelab@bradford.library.on.ca or calling 905-775-3328 ext. 6108.
Read on for more information about the printer, costs and process.
The BWG Library Creative Lab’s 3D printer is now available to print your 3D designs. You can submit your files in person during drop-in hours or by emailing creativelab@bradford.library.on.ca or calling 905-775-3328 ext. 6108.
Our 3D printer is an Ultimaker S3 with two nozzles and is capable of two colour printing or one colour printing with PVA supports in addition to regular single colour projects. The Lab uses Cura to send compatible jobs (.STL and .OBJ files) to the 3D printer.
You can design your own project - Sketchup or TinkerCAD can be used to teach the basics of 3D design. You can also look at various websites to find designs (or even upload your own to). Thingiverse is one site that houses an ever-expanding collection of designs that are free to download and print for yourself.
We have the following colours of filament available:
Black • White • Red • Orange • Yellow • Green • Blue • Magenta
Costs:
3D printing is run on a cost recovery basis – the cost of prints is:
$1.00 base fee + $0.25 per 10 minutes of print time
Please note that projects that cost in excess of $5 will require confirmation before being printed. If you are aware that your project cost will be greater than $5, you may include a note in your submission that you agree to pay for the print.
Process:
You must have a valid BWGPL Library Card to submit projects to the 3D printer.
When submitting a project, it must be in the proper file format (.STL or .OBJ). The Creative Lab staff will review your project, confirm filament colour and cost.
The project will then be placed in the print queue. When your project is completed, we will contact you for payment and pick-up at the Service Desk.
Print time varies by the size and complexity of each project, with most designs taking multiple hours to print. We are unable to print projects on demand and will process all requests as quickly as possible.
Guidelines:
No projects in violation of any library policy or that infringe copyright will be printed.
Users must be registered members of the BWG Public Library.
Workshops:
The Creative Lab will be offering introductory 3D print design workshops in 2024. Participants will learn the basics of Tinkercad and design a simple project. Workshop and registration dates will be announced on our website.
3D Printer FAQs
Check out our most Frequently Asked Questions below
What happens if my project does not print correctly?
If a project fails because of printer issues, the user will not be charged and we will re-print the project.
If the project fails because of a design flaw, the user will not be charged. Hopefully the designer can find the issue and repair the design and send it to be printed again.
If staff notice an obvious issue with a file, we will contact the user and clarify before attempting a print.
Where can I find files to print?
There are several websites that house 3D print files for public use. Thingiverse is one of the larger ones and files can be downloaded and sent to be printed on the 3D printer.
Users can also design their own projects. Tinkercad is a free web app for 3D designs. It is intuitive and has tutorials to get users started. Anyone can sign up for their own free account.
Can I watch the printer print my project?
Most projects take several hours to complete and projects are printed in order of receipt, therefore, we cannot predict when a user's project will be on the printer.
When the lab is open, the public is welcome to come in and watch the printer in action if it is in use, but they will not be allowed to operate the printer.
How can I learn about the 3D printer and make projects?
The Creative Lab staff will be offering small group tutorials in basic 3D printing and Tikercad. Users will design and print a simple object such as a bookmark or cube. Programs and items printed in programs will be free of charge.
How long will it take before I can pick up my project?
We process projects in the order in which they are received and cannot predict timelines for completion.
How long will you hold my project?
We will hold printed items until they are picked up and paid for. Please note, if a user fails to pick up a project within a reasonable amount of time, the Creative Lab will not print any subsequent projects until the original project has been picked up and paid for.
Why do I need a Library card to send projects to the 3D printer?
The Creative Lab is run on a cost recovery basis and charges for materials are added to your Library card so that they may be paid for at the Service Desk.
Computers
There are six iMac computers available in the Creative Lab.
They have been loaded with a variety of software to assist/enable/complement/facilitate creativity and other technology and activities in the Creative Lab.
Read on for more info.
There are six iMac computers available in the Creative Lab.
They have been loaded with a variety of software to assist/enable/complement/facilitate creativity and other technology and activities in the Creative Lab.
Computers in the Creative Lab are to be used for purposes in accordance with the functions of the Creative Lab (no general gaming, video watching, printing, emails, etc.).
Staff will assist, when possible, but are not experts in all software available on the computers.
All Creative Lab public computers are loaded with:
- MS Word
- MS Excel
- MS Powerpoint
- Cricut Design Space (Creative Lab account with Cricut Access)
- Cura
- Blender
- Gimp
- iMovie
- Garage Band
- Audacity
- Inkscape
- Adobe Acrobat
- Deep freeze, which means nothing is saved to the desktop after logging off
Adobe Creative Cloud
Two of the computers allow access to Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes the following applications:
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- Acrobat
- InDesign
- Lightroom
- Premiere Pro
- Premiere Rush
- Fresco
- After Effects
- Bridge
- Lightroom Classic
- Photoshop Express
- Dreamweaver
- Animate
- Character Animator
- Audition
- Character Ecoder
- XD
- Adobe Express
- Adobe Firefly
Please be aware that Adobe Creative Cloud and Cricut Design Space auto save to the Cloud and users need to be aware that their work may be available to others if they do not delete it from the Cloud. (Staff will be regularly deleting Cloud content).
Cricut
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A Cricut is a digital die-cutting machine that can cut a wide range of materials including paper, vinyl, and with the correct cutting blades, some can cut balsa wood, fabrics, leather, and cork.
The Creative Lab has two Cricut machines:
- Cricut Maker 3
- Cricut Explore Air 2
Read on for further information about these machines, costs, and process.
A Cricut is a digital die-cutting machine that can cut a wide range of materials including paper, vinyl, and with the correct cutting blades, some can cut balsa wood, fabrics, leather, and cork.
The Creative Lab has two Cricut machines:
- Cricut Maker 3
- Cricut Explore Air 2
Things you can make with a Cricut:
- Labels
- Party Decorations
- Iron on T-Shirts
- Leather Jewllery
- Greeing Cards
- Signs
- Gift Tags
- Personalized Mugs
- Decorative Water Bottles
- Paper Flowers
- Personalized Notebooks
- And More!
Cricut runs on a cost recovery model:
- Base charge for machine use of $1
- Material fees
- Temporary or permanent vinyl $0.50 per linear inch (transfer tape is included)
- Specialty vinyl $0.75 per linear inch
- Heat transfer
- Glitter
- Glow in the dark
- Window clings
- Cardstock $0.15
To Note:
- Users may bring in their own materials to cut on the Cricut (fabric, vinyl, cardstock, leather, etc.).
- The Creative Lab does not supply items to apply vinyl to.
- There are no material fees for programming using the Cricut.
- Designs and projects are sent to the machine using Cricut Design Space and Bluetooth (iMacs have Bluetooth capabilities and can be used to send projects to the machine. Users may also connect to the machine using their own devices).
- Cricut Design Space is free software that connects to the Cricut. It is downloaded on all Creative Lab iMacs and can also be downloaded by users at home or as an app on smart devices.
- Users may send their projects in the lab using their own account or the Creative Lab's account.
- The Creative Lab's account will be subscribed to Cricut Access which allows usage of thousands of fonts and images.
- For users of the Creative Lab's Cricut account: projects are saved in the Cloud and may be visible to others. The Library will clear projects from the account on a regular basis.
- Projects may also be designed using Inkscape, Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or other software, or purchased from other websites. They must be in an .svg format and imported into Cricut Design Space.
- Cricut accessories are available to use in the lab - rotary blade, different mats, weeding tools, trimmer, scraper, pens.
- For heat transfer vinyl, Cricut Easy Press 2 is also available for use in the lab.
- Staff will be able to assist loading Cricut and connecting to Cricut Design Space, but may not be able to supply expert assistance for complex projects.
Serger
A serger is used for finishing edges and hems on fabric projects. The Creative Lab has a Brother 1034D serger available and can be used on a wide variety of fabrics.
Read on for more information.
A serger is used for finishing edges and hems on fabric projects. The Creative Lab has a Brother 1034D serger available and can be used on a wide variety of fabrics. Stitch options include 4 thread overlock, narrow hem, rolled hem, and ribbon lock stitches.
Users will have to bring their own fabric to use on the serger. The Creative Lab has four thread colour options available: white, black, grey, and beige. There are also basic sewing accessories available, including scissors, seam ripper, and measuring tape. Pins are not to be used on the serger. Staff can assist in threading the machine and basic overlock stitch but are unable to teach serger usage.