Creation Stations
Our Creation Stations are fun, creative technology stations where you can bring your ideas to life and pick up awesome new skills! You’ll find them at the Launchpad and all our branch locations. Everyone is welcome, so whether you’re exploring for the first time or you’re already a pro, come on by!
Book 1-on-1 help with Creation Stations
Need help getting started with a 3D Printer, Cricut Maker or other Creation Stations?
Contact Us
Have a question? We’re here to help—get in touch with us anytime by email or phone.
digital.services@yourlibrary.ca
Creation Stations at Launchpad
604-231-6475
Creation Stations at Cambie
604-231-6462 ext. 2
Creation Stations at Ironwood
604-231-6468
Creation Stations at Steveston
604-231-6424 ext. 2
3D Printing
Use our 3D printers at the Brighouse Launchpad, and at Ironwood, and Cambie Libraries to make your own items — fix things, make gifts, or create custom designs!
New to 3D printing? Here’s what to do:
- Get a free Richmond Public Library Card
- Complete the Online 3D Printer Orientation
- Send us your 3D file to add to our Printing Queue
- Pick up your finished item
Note: You must be 12 or older to get certified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is 3D Printing?
A. 3D printing turns computer designs into real objects. The printer builds your object layer by layer. We use PLA, a plant-based plastic made from corn.
Q. Where are the 3D printers?
A. We have 3D printers in the Launchpad (Brighouse Branch), and at Cambie, and Ironwood libraries . You can use the computers there to design your projects—just log in with your library card. We have Ultimaker S2+, Ultimaker S2+ Connect, and Ultimaker S7 printers.
Q. What programs can I use?
A. Our computers have: Blender, Goxel 3D, Meshmixer, and Ultimaker Cura. You can also use online tools like TinkerCAD, Sketchup, and CookieCAD.
Q. What can I make?
A. You can make almost anything you can design—jewelry, useful items, art, tools, and more.
Q. What can't I make?
A. You cannot print weapons (including toys), weapon parts, illegal items, or inappropriate materials.
Q. Who can use the 3D printers?
A. Anyone with a free Richmond Public Library Card can use the printers. You need to complete training first. You must be at least 12 years old. If you're under 12, a parent or family member (12 or older with training) can help you.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. Material costs 10 cents per gram. There's also a $2 service fee plus $1 for each hour of printing time.
Q. How long does printing take?
A. It depends on your design size and detail. Time limits are:
Ultimaker S7 – up to 16 hours
Ultimaker 2+/2+ Connect – up to 8 hours
Q. Where can I get help?
A. Our staff can answer basic questions. After training, you'll know how to use the equipment and software. Need more help? Book a one-on-one session with us.
Q. I'm a teacher or group leader. How can my group learn?
A. We offer 3D modeling classes and printer demonstrations at the Launchpad. Visit our Digital Literacy Tour page to schedule a visit.
Cricut Maker
Create custom cards, vinyl decals, and 3D paper projects with our Cricut Maker Stations at the Launchpad (Brighouse Library), Ironwood, and Steveston Libraries. Want to make stickers or other Print & Cut projects? Use our craft printer at the Brighouse Launchpad, and at Ironwood, and Steveston Libraires. Want to personalize shirts or hoodies? Use our EasyPress 2 at the Launchpad. You can also make custom mugs with our Mug Press at the Launchpad.
How to Get Started
- Get a free Richmond Public Library Card
- Complete the Cricut Maker 3 Orientation
- Visit our Cricut Maker Stations.
Note: You must be 15 or older to get certified.
To use the EasyPress 2 or Mug Press at the Launchpad, book an appointment with Launchpad staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a Cricut machine?
A. A Cricut machine is about the size of a printer. It can cut, score, and draw designs on materials like paper, vinyl, and fabric.
Q. Where are the Cricut machines?
A. We have Cricut Maker 3 machines at Brighouse, Steveston, and Ironwood libraries. Drop in anytime and log in with your library card.
Q. What software can I use?
A. Our computers have Cricut Design Space and Inkscape. You can also use online tools like Cuttle, Getpaint, and free SVG and Cricut project libraries.
Q. What can I make?
A. You can make cards, stickers, t-shirts, mugs, and more using Cricut Design Space.
Q. What materials can I use?
A. The Cricut Maker can cut paper, cardstock, vinyl, and light fabrics.
Q. Who can use the Cricut machines?
A. Anyone with a free Richmond Public Library Card can use the machines after completing the training. You must be at least 15 years old. If you're under 15, someone 15 or older (who is certified) must help you.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. It's free if you bring your own materials. The library sells some cardstock and vinyl at cost. Print and Cut services (for sticker or iron-on sheets) cost $5.00 per sheet at the Launchpad (Brighouse Library) and Ironwood Library.
Q. How long does it take?
A. It depends on your project. Beginner projects usually take about 2 hours from start to finish.
Q. I'm a teacher or group leader. How can my group learn?
A. We offer Cricut machine demos at the Launchpad. Visit our Digital Literacy Tour page to request a visit.
Q. Where can I get help?
A. Our staff can answer basic questions. After training, you'll know how to use the equipment and software. Need more help? Book a one-on-one session with us.
Digitization
Have old VHS tapes, records, or cassettes? Visit our Digitization Station at the Launchpad (Brighouse Library) to turn them into digital files you can save and share.
What We Can Convert
- VHS tapes
- Floppy disks
- Records
- Cassettes
How to Use It
- Get a free Richmond Public Library Card
- Drop in to the Digitization Station at the Launchpad (Brighouse Library)
- Bring a USB drive to save your digitized files
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is digitization?
A. It turns old media (like VHS tapes or records) into digital files you can store on a computer. Note: CDs are already digital and can't be converted here.
Q. Where is it?
A. At the Launchpad in the Brighouse Library. Drop in anytime with your library card.
Q. What equipment is available?
A. We have a VCR, record player, cassette deck, and capture device.
Q. What software can I use?
A. Audacity, DaVinci Resolve, OBS, and VLC media player.
Q. Who can use it?
A. Anyone with a free Richmond Public Library Card.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. It's free!
Q. How long does it take?
A. It depends on your media length. A 90-minute VHS takes 90 minutes to digitize, plus time to save the file.
Q. Where can I get help?
A. Staff can answer basic questions. Need more help? Book a one-on-one session with us.
Q. I'm a teacher or group leader. Can my group learn?
A. Yes! Visit our Digital Literacy Tour page to schedule a demo at the Launchpad.
Photo Scanner
Want to scan and save your old photos? Use our Epson Flatbed Scanners at the Launchpad (Brighouse Library) and Ironwood Library. They can scan photos, slides, and negatives.
How to Get Started
- Get a free Richmond Public Library Card
- Drop in to use the Scanner Station at the Launchpad (Brighouse Library) or Ironwood Library
- Bring a USB drive to save your scanned files
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is photo scanning?
A. It turns physical photos, slides, or negatives into digital files you can save and edit on a computer.
Q. Where are the scanners?
A. At the Launchpad (Brighouse Library) and Ironwood Library. Drop in anytime with your library card.
Q. What scanners can I use?
A. Epson Perfection V750 Pro at Ironwood, and Epson Perfection V850 Pro at Brighouse.
Q. What software can I use?
A. SilverFast 9, Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Audition, Animate, and After Effects.
Q. What can I make?
A. Digital copies of photos, slides, and negatives. You can also make photo collages, slide shows, and cards.
Q. Who can use the scanners?
A. Anyone with a free Richmond Public Library Card.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. It's free!
Q. How long does it take?
A. It depends on how many items you scan and your quality settings. You'll also need time to save files to your USB drive.
Q. Where can I get help?
A. Staff can answer basic questions. Need more help? Book a one-on-one session with us.
Q. I'm a teacher or group leader. Can my group learn?
A. Yes! Visit our Digital Literacy Tour page to schedule a demo.
Laser Cutter
Use our laser cutter at Brighouse Library to cut and etch designs on wood and cardboard. Coming soon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a laser cutter?
A. It uses a laser beam to cut or etch designs into materials.
Q. Where is it?
A. At Brighouse Library.
Q. What software can I use?
A. Inkscape is available, plus links to free design libraries.
Q. What can I make?
A. Decorations, bookmarks, coasters, jewelry, and more using cardboard or 1/8" plywood.
Q. Who can use it?
A. Anyone with a free Richmond Public Library Card who completes the training. You must be at least 15 years old. If you're under 15, someone 15 or older (who is certified) must help you.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. 50 cents per minute of laser time, plus material costs:
- 10"x12" plywood – $5
- 20"x12" plywood – $10
- 10"x12" cardboard – $2
- 20"x12" cardboard – $4
Q. How long does it take?
A. Most projects take 10 minutes to 1 hour. Maximum time is 1 hour. Maximum time is 3 hours.
Q. Where can I get help?
A. Staff can answer basic questions. After training, you'll know how to prepare your files. Need more help? Book a one-on-one session with us.
Q. I'm a teacher or group leader. Can my group learn?
A. Yes! Visit our Digital Literacy Tour page to schedule a demo.