San Rafael, CA – The Lab, Marin City's premier state-of-the-art innovation hub, is set to inspire creativity, entrepreneurship, design, play, mentorship, and collaboration. Designed as a versatile environment, The Lab will offer a maker space, hacker space, coding space, gaming space, and more – all at no cost to community members.
Located at 101 Donahue Street on the campus of the Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church, this new epicenter from the Marin County Free Library offers a dynamic and inclusive space where creators, innovators, and tech enthusiasts of all backgrounds can come together to explore, experiment, and create without limits. It will be open to the public starting Tuesday, July 9.
The Lab will have a capacity of about five creators at a time. The space is open to all ages, with activities geared toward youth ages 8 and over in the community. The Lab will be open a few hours a day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays afterschool and in the evening. For information about The Lab, visit marinlibrary.org.
On Saturday, June 29, a sneak preview and celebration for the space is being held from noon to 2 PM.
The Lab is a 25-year culmination of the Marin City Library’s dedication to bringing the latest technology and skills to youth in the community. It offers an opportunity to play with a multitude of technologies, no matter the skill level. Can you 3-D print an object at the library? Absolutely. Can you record a podcast with your family or friends? YES! These are just a few of the experiences The Lab can offer.
MCFL Director Lana Adlawan said she’s thrilled to be able to offer two creative maker spaces to community members - The Shop in South Novato and now its companion.
“We encourage patrons of all ages to explore and play at their local library,” Adlawan said. Through the library, community members can use new technologies and tools free of charge at these creative spaces.
Key features of The Lab include:
- Maker Space: Equipped with state-of-the-art tools and equipment for prototyping and fabrication.
- Hacker Space: Providing a secure and collaborative environment for tinkering with hardware and software.
- Coding Space: Dedicated areas for developers and programmers to code, collaborate, and innovate.
- Gaming Space: Gaming stations and virtual reality setup.
- Idea Space: A dedicated area for brainstorming, ideation sessions, and collaborative idea generation.
"At The Lab, we believe in the power of creativity and collaboration to drive innovation," said Etienne Douglas, Library Technology Program Coordinator at The Lab. "Our goal is to provide a supportive and inspiring environment where individuals can explore their passions and learn new skills.”
Whether you're a seasoned professional, a student exploring new interests, or a hobbyist looking to connect with like-minded individuals, The Lab welcomes you to join in on the fun.
