We are offering select services at 38 library locations, including Central Library.

Octavia Lab | Create | DIY Memory Lab | Calendar | Explore

LAPL Labs: Creativity Within Reach

Octavia Lab logo

The Octavia Lab is a do-it-yourself studio space at the Central Library of the Los Angeles Public Library.

During the COVID-19 crisis, we are turning the creativity of the community towards the creation and innovation of needed medical personal protective equipment (PPE).

Learn more about Octavia Butler, the Octavia Lab COVID-19 makers project, and what you can do to help.

Featured

Octavia Butler

Octavia Lab honors Octavia Butler, a bestselling author and acclaimed pioneer of science fiction who broke ground in the male-dominated genre.

Lab Updates

Learn about ways the lab is pitching in to create face shields for medical professionals.

Projects From Home

A collections of personal protective projects you can create from home.

Latest Blog Posts

Compton's Cafeteria Riot

Andrea Borchert, Librarian

Narratives attached to events in LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) history like the Stonewall riots and...

Octavia Lab - Face Shield Project Update

Science Department

The Octavia Lab team realized that there was a global shortage of PPE and following the ethos of the lab namesake, Octavia E. Butler, our team...

Octavia Lab Presents Hidden Heroes

Andrea Borchert, Librarian

In celebration of Octavia E. Butler’s birthday this year, the Octavia Lab began making coloring pages to celebrate lesser-known heroes in...

Connect with LAPL

Why support the Library?

The Los Angeles Public Library serves the largest most diverse population of any library in the United States.

Through its Central Library and 72 branches, the Los Angeles Public Library provides free and easy access to information, ideas, books and technology that enrich, educate and empower every individual in our city's diverse communities.

With more people than ever before using the library—a record 17 million last year alone—your support helps the Library provide people with the resources they need to succeed and thrive.

How to support the Library

You can support the Los Angeles Public Library in several ways:

Join a “Friends” group. There is a “Friends of the Library” group for most branch libraries and departments of the Central Library. Friends groups raise money for improvements to their library through memberships, used book sales and other activities. For more information click here or talk to your local librarian.

Join the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. The Library Foundation is a non-profit organization that raises funds for Library enhancement programs such as adult and early literacy, children and teen reading clubs, technology, and cultural programs. Foundation members receive a variety of benefits with their membership. For more information, see http://www.lfla.org.

Make a donation by check to the Los Angeles Public Library and send it to:
Support the Library, 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles CA 90071 or call (213) 228-7555.

Top