Octavia Lab - FAQ

General

Where is the Octavia Lab located?

The Octavia Lab is located inside of the Los Angeles Public Library’s Central Library. We are on the second Lower Level, just across from the Science, Technology and Patents department.

Our street address is:
630 West 5th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90071

How do I become a lab member?

You can only apply for lab membership in the lab during our open hours.

You will need:

You can only apply for lab membership in the lab during our open hours. You will need:

  • A complete lab membership form (completed in person at the Octavia Lab or Koreatown Media Lab).
  • A valid California photo ID with your name and address.
    • We will accept valid out of state ID (or passports) so long as you provide any of the following as proof of address:
      • printed personal check
      • credit card statement
      • rental or property tax receipt
      • business mail with current postmark
    • Please Note that your proof must contain a California address.
    • A valid LAPL library card in good standing.

      • During your sign up lab staff will go over general lab policy, how to access lab resources, and how to make reservations. Staff will then need to verify your ID & LAPL account status. Lab membership is FREE.

How much does it cost?

Access to the lab’s software/equipment/tools is free, but limited to lab members only. Lab membership is free. However, you will need to purchase your own project materials.

Do you give classes/Can someone teach me how to use the lab?

No, we do not currently offer classes. As a “do it yourself” makerspace, we expect that most members have a passing knowledge of how some of the software/equipment/tools works. For those members who do not have any experience with our offerings, the Octavia Lab provides the perfect venue for self-guided learning. Lab members will have access to a small library of instructional materials such as books, user manuals, in-software tutorials, as well as online classes through LinkedIn Learning and NicheAcademy. Be advised that lab staff do not provide one-on-one instruction. However, staff will set-up, maintain, and troubleshoot lab equipment. The lab does offer programming where demonstrations are given on how to use lab equipment for certain projects. A list of our upcoming programs can be found on the Octavia Lab’s Calendar.

How do I reserve equipment?

Reservations are made in person or over the phone. We do not take reservations by email. The large volume of email we receive makes it very difficult to respond to reservation requests in a timely manner. Our reservation line is (213) 228-7150. If you do not reach a staff member, please leave a message with:

  • Your name
  • Phone number
  • Library Card number
  • Equipment request

All requests are returned in the order they were received.

What do I need to bring?

It is recommended that lab members bring a storage device to save their projects. All lab computer hard drives are wiped between each session to ensure patron privacy. The size of the storage device you bring is up to you. Most lab projects will fit on a standard flash drive. Be advised that most video, and motion graphics projects may require a large capacity external hard drive. If you do bring your own storage device, please make sure that it is formatted properly. If you have any questions regarding which drive formatting will work best for your project, please contact the lab.

In order to use some lab equipment like the laser cutter or sewing machines, you will need to provide your own material. The Octavia Lab will provide the consumables and tools needed to operate and maintain lab equipment, but we do not provide the materials for projects. Information on the required materials can be found on our equipment pages. If you have questions regarding any materials that are not listed on the equipment pages, email us at octavialab@lapl.org /a> before purchasing. If you have questions about any materials not listed on the equipment pages, please call us at (213) 228-7150 before making a purchase. We wouldn't want you to purchase material that can not be used. Please note that some materials require approval from lab staff before they can be used on specific lab equipment.

Can I bring a guest?

Yes. Users are allowed to bring guests into the Octavia Lab. A guest is a person who does not have a signed user agreement. Users in the main lab space can bring one guest. Users of the Studio are allowed to have three guests. A guest cannot be in the space at any point without the Lab User.

Do you have _____?

You will find a list of the currently available software, equipment, and tools on our website. We are constantly updating and improving our offerings, so feel free to contact us if you have any questions. We would love to hear your suggestions for what the lab should offer next. To suggest a piece of equipment, software, or tool; email us at octavialab@lapl.org.

Miscellaneous

Do I need to be present to start a 3D print job or Poster print job?

No. You do not need to be present in the lab to have your submission printed. You must be a lab member to use any lab service. You must email your file(s) to octavialab@lapl.org, and receive staff approval to be eligible. Staff will reply with instructions on how to verify and authorize your print submission. You can find additional details on our 3D Printing and Poster Printing pages.

Can I choose the color of the filament?

Submissions will be printed using whatever color is currently loaded into the printer. No substitutions are allowed.

How long do 3D prints usually take?

3D print times can vary based on the size and surface detail of the model that has been submitted. Even relatively small objects can take 2-3 hours to print. If you would like an estimate for how long it would take to 3D print an object, feel free to send your STL file to the Octavia Lab’s email address: octavialab@lapl.org. Please note, it may take up to a full business day for lab staff to respond with your estimate.

Can I videotape myself in the Studio?

You may record yourself in the Studio provided that the content you record is not:

  • Prohibited by local, state or federal law.
  • In violation of another’s intellectual property rights; for example, materials that are subject to copyright, patent or trademark protection.
  • Unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or that may pose an immediate threat to the well-being of others.
  • Inappropriate for the library environment.

What can I cut on the laser cutter?

You will find a list of acceptable materials on the laser cutter page. If you have questions about any material not listed here, please email us at octavialab@lapl.org before making a purchase. We wouldn’t want you to purchase material that can not be used.

Do I have to bring my own materials for the embroidery machine or sewing machines?

Yes, you will need to bring your own fabric, thread, and stabilizer (for embroidery). The Octavia Lab will provide the consumables and tools needed to operate and maintain the equipment, such as replacement needles, pins, bobbins, etc. If you have any questions about whether the lab has a specific tool or piece of equipment needed for your project, please call or email us prior to your visit.

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