The Octavia Lab, named after the award-winning science fiction author Octavia E. Butler, is a do-it-yourself makerspace located inside the Los Angeles Public Library's historic Central Library. Octavia Lab provides library cardholders free and unlimited access to state-of-the-art design, fabrication, preservation, and story-telling technologies.
Open Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday: 1 - 5 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday and City holidays: Closed
Location and Parking Information
The Octavia Lab is located in the Central Library:
630 W. 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071
On Lower Level 2 next to the Science, Technology and Patents Department.
Information about parking and accessibility.
Become an Octavia Lab Member
To use the Lab, you must first become a member of the lab, which requires a library card in good standing, photo ID, and a signed user agreement. Lab applications must be filled out and submitted in person during lab hours.
Reservations
Please call the Octavia Lab at 213-228-7150 if you would like to set up a reservation or have any questions.
As a reminder, equipment reservations are only accepted by phone or in person, not by email
Lab tours are available during our hours of operation, and do not require a reservation.
E-mail us with any questions at octavialab@lapl.org.
Class Visits and Field Trips to Octavia Lab
Students of all ages are welcome to the lab to learn and explore the various forms of creative technology available in the Octavia Lab! If you are interested in bringing your students to the lab, please contact Lauren Kratz lkratz@lapl.org to schedule a date and time for your visit.
Each visit includes a tour of the maker space, equipment demonstrations and opportunities to use select equipment.
Equipment
The Octavia Lab’s maker space has tools for all types of creators. Whether you’re recording music, editing photos, or 3D printing your gadgets, the lab is filled with endless opportunities for creation and education. Check out our list of available equipment to inspire your next project or learn something new through in-software tutorials and online learning resources, including LinkedIn Learning, free with your library card.
Bring your digital creations to life by printing them on one of our 3D printers.
Want to record your next podcast episode? Itching to record your original music? Looking for a place to edit your student film? Reserve The Studio.
Design your own graphics, 3D modeling, sounds, and more at one of our Digital Media Stations equipped with Apple Mac computers and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Cut and engrave designs on a number of materials to customize your creations.
Choose from matte or glossy paper when printing images on a large scale with our poster printer.
Explore crafts involving textile creations with our sewing machines, serger and computerized embroidery machine.
Create stickers or heat-transfer designs for custom t-shirts, tote bags and more.
Our Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Mill can design PCB circuit boards in addition to engraving on materials like acrylic, aluminum and more.
Create scenic photos and videos with a backdrop of your choice.
Discover new worlds through virtual exploration without stepping foot outside of the Octavia Lab.
Featured
Octavia Butler
Octavia Lab honors Octavia Butler, a bestselling author and acclaimed pioneer of science fiction who broke ground in the male-dominated genre.