Idea Lab

 The Format Conversion Queue is CLOSED
We are not currently accepting format conversion requests.
We only accept media conversion requests when the Idea Lab is open. See hours below, and call prior to your drop-off.

• CLICK HERE to view the intro video for the Pinhole Camera Kit. The intro video will explain how to view the instructions.
• CLICK HERE to visit our YouTube Page, which has all of our video instructions for current and past kits.
• The Idea Lab also offers classes and special events! Be sure to check the latest issue of BPL’s LEARN.CONNECT.DISCOVER. to see our current schedule.

For more information on 3D Printing, scroll down to our 3D Printing section below.

The Idea Lab can help convert your old media into new digital files, including:

• Video Cassettes (VHS, S-VHS, VHS-C, 8mm/Hi8/Digital8, DV and MiniDV)
• Audio Cassettes
• Microcassettes
• Vinyl Records, LPs, etc. (33/45/78)
• 1/4″ Reel-to-reel audio tape
• Film Slides (35mm, 110, 126, 127, and odd sizes)
• Film Negatives
• 8mm, Super 8mm and 16mm motion picture film
• and many others!

We are also able to extract data from older digital formats including 3.5″ and 5.25″ floppy disks, Zip disks, Jaz disks, etc., and convert their contents to formats compatible with modern computers.

You can bring your materials to The Idea Lab during our hours of operation. Be sure that they are in a bag or box, clearly labeled with your name and contact information, The Idea Lab must be open and staffed in order to drop off materials. Requests are limited to 10 items at a time. We may be unable to accept new requests if our request queue is full.

Please contact us via phone or email if you have questions about format conversion.

The Idea Lab provides 3D printing services to you! If you have something you would like 3D printed, simply provide us with your 3D model files, and some information about what you’re printing. Your print will be added to the queue, and we will contact you to come and pick it up when it is done!

• Click here to send us your 3D Model for printing.

If you are unable to submit your request through this form please contact The Idea Lab for assistance.
There is currently no charge for 3D printing. The Idea Lab will supply up to 200grams of any filament we have available, per user, per month. Patrons submitting print requests (or series of requests within 1 month) requiring more than 200g of filament will be asked to provide their own filament. The Idea Lab will provide guidance to assist patrons in purchasing filament.
Per our User Agreement BPL reserves the right to halt, delete or disallow the creation of items that violate Library policy, including the creation of weapons and illegal items; and to manage the 3D print queue to best accommodate demand from the Lab’s many users.    

Our 40 watt laser can cut and etch a wide array of materials. Compatible with wood, glass, paper/cardboard, cloth, leather, plastics, and many other materials. This versatile machine has countless uses – woodworking, fabrication, custom engraving, printed circuit board, stamp-making, and so much more.

Used for polishing rocks, beads, gemstones and 3D printed parts, it can be especially useful in post-processing of 3D prints made with “Metal Composite” material.

This device is used to apply heat and pressure for all kinds of transfer operations. Use with the sublimation printer for full color graphics. Use with die cutters for heat transfer vinyl. Use with the screen printer for plastisol transfers. Also useful for applying heat activated adhesives. We offer attachments for heat pressing cups/mugs, plates, and hats.

• Adobe Creative Cloud
  An extensive suite of apps for creating digital media. contains all Adobe programs, including Photoshop for image editing, Illustrator for producing vector graphics, Premiere for video editing, Audition for audio editing, After Effects for VFX, and many others.
• Fusion 360
  A powerful program from Autodesk for creating and editing 3D model files.
• Autodesk Recap
  Photogrammetry software for creating 3D models from photographs.
• Silhouette Studio
  Software to operate the Silhouette Cameo Die Cutting Machines.
• Hatch Embroidery 2
  A many-featured application for creating prefect embroidery patterns.
• and many others!

• Screen printing
• Sublimation printing

Our Laboratory-grade heating plate has an integrated magnetic stirrer, and a detachable thermal probe to ensure perfect accuracy of temperature control. This device is useful in the process of candle making, soap making, or any other situation where the careful melting or heating of a substance is required.