The Vernon branch of the Okanagan Regional Library is one step closer to opening its Inspiration Lab space.
The branch has received $75,000 in funding from the Vernon Friends of the Library toward the opening of the new space.
“We are so excited to share this project with the community,” said Vernon library branch head Kristy Hennings. “I have been working with local community partners, including the Okanagan Science Centre, the Vernon Community Arts Centre and Community Futures, to ensure that our Inspiration Lab will fit in seamlessly with plans being made for the North Okanagan Innovation Centre and Makerspace.
“We have had the opportunity to speak to many stakeholders and community members, and the Inspiration Lab reflects what our community is looking for.”
In 2019 the Friends of the Library donated an additional $25,000 towards tech, including a Learning Lab of laptops and an array of small tech equipment that is currently being used for literacy programming for all ages at the library.
Set to open on the second floor this May, the Inspiration Lab will allow for recording, digitization and creation.
The lab will boast large sound booths and digitization stations featuring the Adobe Creative Cloud suites on the Microsoft Surface computers.
Educational courses will also be run and resources staff will be on hand to help answer the public’s questions about the new technology.
Access to the high-tech tools is free of charge.
“This is an incredible opportunity for all members of our community to have access to fantastic digital resources, and we could not have done this without the support of the Vernon Friends of the Library,” Hennings said. “This group of volunteers has worked for years to save enough money to fund this project, and we are so grateful for their generosity.”
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