Central Library Inspiration Lab
Vancouver’s free space dedicated to digital creativity. Find us on Level 3 of the Central Library
Drop in or book a workstation or recording studio in advance.
If this will be your first time booking or you need a refresher on the process, review our booking instructions.
For frequently asked questions and related events, check out our Inspiration Labs page.
Record!
Digitize!
Image Conversion
Image Conversion
- Epson V800 flatbed scanning station
- Trays for digitization of slides, and small, medium and large-format film negatives
- Scan prints or artwork up to 8x10 inches (20x25 cm)
Audio Conversion
Audio Conversion
- Stereo Compact Cassette conversion
- Audio CDs
- Bring your own player for formats other than Compact Cassette (RCA connections)
Video Conversion
Video Conversion
VHS video tape station
- Only North American format "NTSC" tapes are supported
- VHS-C to VHS adapter available for camcorder tapes
A/V hook-up stations
Borrow our camcorders to digitize:
- MiniDV camcorder (NTSC only)
- 8mm/Hi-8/Digital 8 camcorder (NTSC only)
Or bring your own camcorder to digitize other video tape formats.
Film reel machine
- Kodak Reels machine available for in-library use
- Supports Regular 8mm and Super 8 film reels
- If you are interested in using the film reel machine, please contact us in advance at inspirationlab@vpl.ca to arrange a booking time.
Create!
Each creation station features a high-performance Windows 10 desktop computer, with Wacom Intuos Drawing Tablets, MIDI keyboards, and MIDI drum pads available to borrow for in-library use!
Animation, 3D Design and Visual Effects (VFX)
- Adobe After Effects
- Adobe Animate
- Adobe Character Animator
- Adobe Dimension
- Adobe Substance 3D Suite
- Blender
- Microsoft Paint 3D
- Unity 3D
- Unreal Engine
Audio
Graphic Design and Photo Editing
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Lightroom Classic
- Adobe Photoshop
- Microsoft Paint
Self-Publishing
Video
Location
Central Library
350 West Georgia Street
Vancouver BC V6B 6B1
Canada
Upcoming Events
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Do you have some analogue media that you want to digitize?
Join us in the Inspiration Lab to learn how to use our video (VHS and 8 mm), audio (cassette tapes), and image (slides, negatives, photos) digitization equipment. Find resources...
11:00am – 12:00pm
Central Library -
Are you curious about podcasting and considering starting a podcast of your own? Join this session to learn the basics of podcasting, from planning and recording to editing and sharing your podcast with the world.
This course is part of...
2:00pm – 3:30pm
Central Library -
Are you interested in learning about recording audio in the Inspiration Lab?
Come by for an orientation where staff will show you the library's audio recording equipment and studios. After attending this session, you'll know what you need to do...
11:00am – 12:00pm
Central Library