A new technology hub is coming to Marin City.
The Lab, a project of the Marin County Free Library, will open to the public Tuesday at 101 Donahue St. on the campus of Saint Andrew Presbyterian Church.
The Lab will offer several spots for technology exploration, such as a maker space, coding stations and gaming stations.
“The space is open to all ages, with activities geared toward youth ages 8 and over in the community,” said Lana Adwalan, director of the Marin County Free Library. “We encourage patrons of all ages to explore and play at their local library.”
The Lab will be open 2 to 5 p.m Tuesday and Wednesday and 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, or on a drop-in basis. There is space for about five people at a time, said Etienne Douglas, library technology program coordinator.
“At the Lab, we believe in the power of creativity and collaboration to drive innovation,” Douglas said. Among the activities available are 3-D printing and creating podcasts with family and friends, Douglas said.
“Our goal is to provide a supportive and inspiring environment where individuals can explore their passions and learn new skills,” Douglas said.
The Lab is the Marin County Free Library’s second tech and innovation hub to open in the past year. The Shop, at 931 C St. next to the South Novato Library, opened in June 2023.
“It has grown in use tremendously through word of mouth in the community,” Adlawan said of the Shop. She said the project also has received a boost through partnership with the Novato Unified School District.
The Shop is open 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Funding for the technology equipment at the Lab has come from the Friends of Marin City Library and the county’s information services and technology department, according to Adwalan.
“The Bay Area Discovery Museum also donated several pieces of equipment to us,” she said.
Adwalan said a library staff member will be available during open hours at the Lab. “We will also be bringing in partners for programming,” she said.
More information is available online at marinlibrary.org/the-shop and marinlibrary.org/the-lab.
