LaunchPad
The library’s LaunchPads are creative gathering spaces for learning, making, and exploring handicrafts, hobbies, life skills, and technology.
Daytona Beach Regional Library, Ormond Beach Regional Library, Deltona Regional Library, and Lake Helen Public Library have dedicated LaunchPad spaces.
Port Orange Regional Library, New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, DeLand Regional Library, DeBary Public Library, and Edgewater Public Library host special pop-up LaunchPad events.
Each library LaunchPad reflects local community interests and may have different equipment, tools, services, operating hours, and workshops. For specifics, contact your location branch at Hours & Locations | Volusia County Public Library
LaunchPad equipment and services may include:
Legacy Lab
Media Transfer and Duplication
The Legacy Lab is an innovative do-it-yourself space for digitizing various audio/visual media formats, as well as scanning documents, slides, and negatives. Patrons are able to transfer the following formats to a USB drive: VHS and VHS-S, Photos & Papers, 3.5" Floppy Disk, Audio Cassettes, 35mm Negatives, 35mm Slides, Vinyl Records, 8mm, & Super8 Reels. Available by appointment.
3D Printing
Preexisting or Original Designs
3D printers are equipment that use plastic filament (which is melted and extruded) to create predesigned objects. LaunchPad visitors can use one of two Prusa MK3 3D printers to create small scale 3D objects in various colors. Available by appointment.
Virtual Reality Headsets
For Work or Play
Virtual Reality headsets are devices worn over the eyes, like a pair of goggles. The headsets provide users a 3D viewing experience allowing virtual exploration of parks, museums, other countries, theme-park rides, and more - all from the safety of the library's LaunchPad. For ages 8+. Available by appointment or during programs.
Recipes and Reads Culinary Lab
Culinary Arts and Cooking Prep
Recipes and Reads Culinary Labs are all-age food or cooking demonstrations featuring nutritional literacy, food acquisition methods, food handling, hygiene and safety, culture and history of food, and consumer cost-saving techniques and meal stretching. The program often uses a mobile cooking demonstration Charlie Cart™. This project was funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Department of State's Division of Library and Information Services administer Florida's LSTA program. The culinary labs are for demonstration presentations only.
Sewing Labs
Beginner or Advanced
Singer or Brother sewing machines are available for visitors to use for personal sewing projects or through curated programs after completing a brief safety and certification process. Contact local branches for availability and hours of operation.
Green Screen Photography
For Photography and Video
Green Screen photography is a process that replaces a solid green background behind the subject with a new background using software images. Staff pose LaunchPad visitors in front of a green screen and let them choose from a variety of appropriate backgrounds. A photo release form and email address are required. Available by appointment or during programs.
Robotics
Beginner or Advanced
Robotics is the science of creating intelligent or maneuverable machines to assist humans in a variety of ways. LaunchPad visitors can use a variety of robotic equipment such as: Ozobots, Botley (fully codable robots), Raspberry Pi, Sphero, and Mechanoid (understands verbal commands), as well as a variety of tools to build robotics such as brush bots. Contact local branch for availability and hours of operation.
Cricut
For Soft and Hard Materials
A Cricut® is a cutting machine that can precisely cut many different materials for craft projects - like paper, vinyl, cardstock, and more. LaunchPad visitors can use the Cricut3® or the Cricut Joy® to create and cut out designs for personalized t-shirts, stickers, cards, labels, and more. Available by appointment or during programs.
Crafts & Games
Beginner or Advanced
A wide range of games (puzzles, card or board games, etc.) and craft supplies (fuse beads, paper crafts, jewelry making, crochet/knit supplies, etc.) are available. Contact local branches for availability and hours of operation.
Seed Library
Fruits, Flowers, and Vegetables
Certified, seasonal herb, flower, or vegetable seeds are available for trial at home. Seeds, hydroponic garden displays, and upcycle garden demonstrations may be available. Contact local branches for availability and hours of operation.