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Creation Zone

Design, experiment, and embrace your creative side. OPL Creation Zones provide free access to technology. All you pay for are the materials (if you need them).  
Creation Zones are located at the Glen Abbey Branch, Iroquois Ridge Branch, and Sixteen Mile Branch.

**Please note, service is temporarily paused at the Iroquois Ridge Branch Creation Zone.

 

Creation Zone Services  

Equipment Booking 

This service is for experienced makers who are using the equipment on their own. Book equipment ahead of time to ensure you have dedicated time to complete your project or task. Two-hour time slots are available. Schedule an equipment booking now

Equipment booking is currently available in Creation Zones at the Glen Abbey Branch and Sixteen Mile Branch. 

Maker and Technology Programs 

The Creation Zone offers a variety of introductory programs to build basic skills for using technology in the space.  

  • Equipment Orientations: Learn the basics of equipment operations and discover project possibilities through lecture-style instruction.
  • Instruction Workshops: Explore introductory skills and complete a start-to-finish project in a hands-on class.
  • Maker Meetups: Meet other makers interested in the same skills and projects. Each session explores a different maker theme, medium, or interest.

 View the program calendar for upcoming programs.  

Need Help Getting Started?  

All creators are welcome, from beginners to experts! If you need a little extra support to get started, we offer a range of resources to support your creative journey.   

  • Instruction Manuals: step-by-step instructions and safety protocols are documented in User Manuals for every piece of equipment, providing you with all the information you need to get started. 
  • Staff Support: OPL staff are available to all users in the space, providing advice and guidance in using creative equipment. For more in-depth support, please attend an upcoming Instruction Workshop.  
  • Tours: we welcome tours and group workshop requests to tour our Creation Zones. To learn more, please email oplreference@oakville.ca to book. 

If you have questions, visit any OPL branch location or Contact Us. 
  

Accessing Creation Zone Equipment

Please review our Creation Zone Equipment List for equipment specifications, software, file types and materials. 

Important Information: 

  • The laser cutter is only available by booking an appointment with a Creation Specialist. Email creationzone@oakville.ca to schedule an appointment.
  • Laser cutter materials must be purchased from the library. 
  • Customers must agree to the following Terms of Use (see below)

Creation Zone Terms of Use

The Creation Zones at Oakville Public Library (OPL) are do-it-yourself community makerspaces that offer a variety of free technology. Materials are available for purchase, if needed.  

Requirements: 

To book equipment at an OPL Creation Zone, you must: 

  • Hold a valid OPL library card. 

  • Be 13 years of age or older or be an adult caregiver accompanying a user under the age of 13. 
  • Agree to the Creation Zone Terms of Use and Equipment as outlined below. 

Book equipment  

Conditions: 

  • I have read, understand, and will adhere to: 

  • OPL’s Internet Access and Acceptable Use Policy 

  • OPL’s Customer Code of Conduct  

  • For appointments requiring the 3D printer, complete the 3D Printing Certification and the 3D printing waiver. 

  • When using the 3D printer, I agree to submit a draft of the design before to a library staff member prior to completing or sending the job.  

  • I will remain in the Creation Zone when equipment is in use unless alternate arrangements are made with OPL library staff. 

  • I understand that only library staff may operate the laser cutter. 

  • I will read and follow the guidelines for use and health and safety information that accompany each piece of equipment and technology prior to use.  

  • I adhere to the Creation Zone equipment booking hours and understand that hours may be adjusted at OPL’s discretion. 

  • I will read and follow the guidelines for use and health and safety information that accompany each piece of equipment and technology prior to use.  

  • I understand that I am responsible for the cost of any repairs, replacements, cleaning, or damage directly related to my use or misuse of technology, equipment, or furniture.  

  • I understand that repair, replacement, cleaning, or intentional damage charges will result in my library privileges being suspended until the library is reimbursed. 

  • I understand that Creation Zone public access computers are reserved for digital media projects and are not available for general computer use – i.e. email, social media, browsing etc.  

  • I understand that the Creation Zone may be used for lawful purposes only and cannot be used to create content or material that is: 

  • Prohibited by provincial or federal law. 

  • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous or poses an immediate threat to the wellbeing of others. 

  • Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for the library environment. 

  • In violation of another's intellectual property rights. For example, the 3D printers and scanners may not be used to reproduce materials subject to copyright, patent, or trademark protection. 

Agreement: 

By booking equipment in the Creation Zone, I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the Creation Zone Terms of Use and Equipment Waiver. 

Schedule an equipment booking

Creation Zone
Equipment List
Creation Zone
Equipment List