The Octavia Lab, named after the award-winning science fiction author Octavia E. Butler, is a do-it-yourself makerspace located inside the Los Angeles Public Library's historic Central Library. Octavia Lab provides library cardholders free and unlimited access to state-of-the-art design, fabrication, preservation, and story-telling technologies.
Open hours
Monday, Tuesday, Friday & Saturday: 1 - 5 p.m.
Wednesday & Thursday: 3:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Sunday and city holidays: Closed
Location and Parking Information
The Octavia Lab is located in the Central Library (630 W. 5th Street, 90071) on Lower Level 2 across from the Science, Technology and Patents Department.
Information about parking and accessibility.
Become an Octavia Lab Member
To use the Lab, you must first become a member of the lab, which requires a library card in good standing, photo ID, and a signed user agreement. Lab applications must be filled out and submitted in person during lab hours.
Reservations
Please call the Octavia Lab at 213-228-7150 if you would like to set up a reservation or have any questions.
As a reminder, equipment reservations are only accepted by phone or in person, not by email
Lab tours are available during our hours of operation, and do not require a reservation.
E-mail us with any questions at octavialab@lapl.org.
Class Visits and Field Trips to Octavia Lab
If you are interested in scheduling a class visit or field trip please contact Lauren Kratz at lkratz@lapl.org
Octavia Lab Equipment
Octavia Lab software, equipment, and tools are available to use inside the Octavia Lab. Lab members must provide their ID and library card to sign in for each visit.
- 3D printing
- CNC mill
- Green screen & buff screen backdrops
- Laser cutter
- PC & Apple access to Adobe Creative Cloud, MakerBot Print, Silhouette Studio
- PC access to SewArt, Solidworks 2019
- Poster printing
- Sewing machines, serger, & computerized embroidery machine
- Silhouette (computerized cutting machine)
Featured
Lab Updates
Learn about ways the lab is pitching in to create face shields for medical professionals.
Octavia Butler
Octavia Lab honors Octavia Butler, a bestselling author and acclaimed pioneer of science fiction who broke ground in the male-dominated genre.
