What is the Idea Lab?

Located inside the Denham Springs-Walker Branch, the LPL Idea Lab is a place where cutting-edge technology has been made available for public use. Livingston Parish Library invites you to use our equipment to bring your creativity to life. From simple to complicated projects, the Idea Lab is where you can transform concepts into reality.

Hours of Operation

Monday and Wednesday
1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Tuesday and Thursday
4:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Adult and Teen hour on Tuesday's from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.)

Friday
9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

By appointment, as staff members are available. Contact the Idea Lab for more details on appointments.

3D Printer: MakerBot Replicator 2

The 4th generation Makerbot Replicator sports a steel chassis, LCD screen with onboard controls and SD card connectivity. Optimized for MakerBot, its Polylactic Acid filament (PLA), doesn’t have an odor, sticks without sliding, and makes beautiful things. Submit a 3D design.

3D Printer: LulzBot Taz 5

The LulzBot TAZ is a versatile, high-performance desktop 3D printer for industrial users that respects your freedom to create. The LulzBot TAZ is critically acclaimed and was named “Best overall” 3D printer by Make magazine. Submit a 3D design.

3D Scanner: MakerBot Digitizer

Scanning with the MakerBot Digitizer is a fast and easy way for anyone to create 3D models. Turn physical objects into 3D digital design files in approximately 12 minutes. The scanner is optimized for the MakerBot Replicator 3D Printer and the two can work easily together to make your freshly scanned models. Our Makerbot Digitizer has the capability to scan a 3D object and create a 3D model of the object for printing. Objects 8 in. x 8 in. in size or smaller can be scanned. Patrons wishing to use this service can make arrangements to send their object to the Denham Springs-Walker Branch Idea Lab by calling (225) 686-4148.

CNC Cutting and Engraving Machine

The LPL's Computer Numerical Control (CNC) cutting and engraving machine (Carbide Nomad 883 Pro) is now available at the Idea Lab of the Denham Springs-Walker Branch.

The Carbide Nomad 883 Pro is able to cut and engrave on a wide variety of materials including hardwoods, softwoods, plastics, synthetics, and metals. Learn more and submit your CNC project.

Sewing Machine: Singer 7258

This SINGER Stylist 100-stitch pattern sewing machine features adjustable sewing speed, push-button stitch selection, and an automatic needle threader. It also has 10 presser feet, well suited for almost any project a sewer may have in mind. Contact us for details on using the Singer 7258.

Button Maker

Are you a fan of button swag? Make your own button designs or try some of ours with the Idea Lab’s button machine. You’ll have new decorative wear in minutes.

Virtual Reality: HTC VIVE

Experience room-scale virtual reality! VIVE is powered by SteamVR, offering seated, standing, and room-scale VR experiences. Freely explore and interact with the virtual world like never before. New VR titles are added constantly.

Bookbinder: ProBind 2000 Professional Binding Machine and Crimper

The Pro-Bind 2000 is a heavy-duty professional thermal binding system that is both dependable and easy to use. Complete with crimper, the Pro-Bind 2000 offers the ability to bind hardcover books and reports up to 200 pages in less than ten minutes. 

Costs

Softcover with a clear front: $1.00 per cover used. This style is ideal for professional-looking reports for school or work.

Hardcover binding: $5.00 per cover. This style is perfect for novels, cookbooks, art collections, and more.

Contact the Idea Lab at (225) 686-4148 for details.

How to Request a One-on-One Session

Looking to learn more about the Idea Lab? You can request a one-on-one session to learn more about available equipment and how to use it. Submit your requests here.

Tips for One-on-One Sessions

Have a clear goal in mind for the session. Chances are you won’t become an expert or complete an entire project in one session, so have a clear goal set for what you would like to accomplish.

Have a list of questions/ideas. Write down questions or ideas beforehand so you don’t forget to ask them during your session.

Bring your project/sketches with you to your session. It’s easier for our staff to help if we have a clearer picture of what’s going on. A model or sketches of an idea helps point us in the right direction

Contact Us

Got a question? Contact the Idea Lab at (225) 686-4148.