Creation Zone

We offer free access to state-of-the-art equipment and software. All you pay for are the materials (if you need them!).

Creation Zones are located at the Glen Abbey Branch and Iroquois Ridge Branch.

Hours

Glen Abbey Branch

 

• Mondays – 1 pm to 8 pm – Self-directed Appointments
• Tuesday – 4 pm to 8 pm – Open Studio
• Wednesdays – 1 pm to 8 pm – Self-directed Appointments
• Thursday – 10 am to 6 pm – Open Studio
• Sundays – 1 pm to 5 pm – Self-directed Appointments

Bi-Weekly - Please call the branch in advance to confirm hours

• Friday 10 am to 1 pm – Open Studio
• Saturdays – 10 am to 1 pm – Open Studio

Iroquois Ridge Branch 

• Wednesdays – 1 pm to 8 pm – Open Studio 
• Thursdays – 10 am to 8 pm – Self-directed Appointments

*Note: The Creation Zone’s hours are subject to change to accommodate programming that occurs in the space.

What does the Creation Zone offer? 

The Creation Zone offers many ways to inspire your creativity, including: 

Open Studio

Are you just getting started? Need some advice? Curious about what is possible? Drop-in during our Open Studio hours and connect with a Creation Specialist onsite.

Walk-in projects are available on a first-come, first-served basis if the equipment is available. 

Consultations with Creation Specialists

Need dedicated support and coaching? Prefer to learn in a one-on-one setting? 

Book an appointment to consult a Creation Specialist by emailing CreationZone@oakville.ca. Be sure to include the equipment you are interested in, the help you need and any additional information on your project or goals. 

Equipment Reservations

Are you tech-savvy? Enjoy self-led learning? Familiar with equipment and software? 

Book a self-directed time slot to use Creation Zone equipment at the Glen Abbey or Iroquois Ridge Branch to ensure you have dedicated time to complete your project. Two-hour self-directed time slots are offered twice weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays at Glen Abbey Branch and on Thursdays at Iroquois Ridge Branch.

During these sessions, you can access how-to guides and instructional videos for customers with experience and skills to work independently. Creation Specialists are not available during these time slots. 
 

Maker and Technology Programming

The Creation Zone offers a variety of programming sure to get your creative juices flowing! 

View the program calendar for upcoming sesssions

Our project-based programs provide beginners with an essential foundation for using the equipment.  Participants will gain the confidence and knowledge needed to complete a unique project. While these sessions vary regarding the project, they consistently provide the know-how to start confidently. 
 
We also work with many local community groups and partners to provide access to specialized skill sets and topics to provide a diverse menu of programming options. 
 

School and Community Group Visits 

We welcome tours and can facilitate group workshops and activities. Please email CreationZone@oakville.ca to initiate a booking. 
 

Accessing Creation Zone Equipment

Please review our Creation Zone Equipment List for equipment specifications, software, file types and materials. 
 
Note: The Laser Cutter is only available during Open Studio sessions or by booking an appointment with a Creation Specialist.  

Usage Guidelines: 

• You do not need to be an Oakville Public Library cardholder to access the Creation Zone during Open Studio sessions or programs. Still, you must be a member in good standing to reserve equipment for use during Self-Directed appointments. 

• An adult caregiver must accompany children younger than 13 to use the space. 

• Customers may purchase materials at the branch or supply their own. 

• Customers must read and agree to the Creation Zone Terms of Use and Equipment Waiver.

Limitations

• Users accept full responsibility for using technology, equipment and furniture during use. They are responsible for reading and following the guidelines for use and health and safety information accompanying each piece of equipment and technology before use. 

• Users accept responsibility for the cost of any repairs, replacements, cleaning or damage directly related to the use or misuse of technology, equipment or furniture. 

• 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. 

• 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 well-being of others

  • Obscene or otherwise inappropriate for a Library environment

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

• The Library does not accept responsibility if a project is destroyed, does not print or cut correctly, does not work, or if any of the users’ equipment or materials are damaged while accessing the Library’s equipment