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Discovery Lab

Everything you need for tech learning & projects!

Discovery Lab Logo

The Oceanside Library’s Discovery Lab provides access to creative technologies including 3D printers, a Glowforge laser engravers, Cricut machines, sublimation printer and heat press. It can be utilized during open Discovery Lab hours, for everything tech and craft based.

Open Glowforge Time

Learn to Use the Glowforge!
Sign up on our calendar and learn how to use the Glowforge laser cutter! Our staff will walk you through the basics—setting up your design, safely cutting, and engraving different materials. This is a great opportunity for beginners and anyone who wants to build their maker skills. Must have computer skills and working knowledge or some type of graphic software. (Limited to 4 people per session)

Search our calendar for available sessions.

Open Cricut Time

Use the Cricut during open craft time. Basic assistance and safety oversight provided. Knowledge of Design Space, a graphic program or Canva.com is a must. Registration is required. Some materials are available for you or you can bring your own. (Subject to approval). Must have computer skills and working knowledge or some type of graphic software. Limited to 4 people per session.

Search our calendar for available sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Does the Discovery Lab hold classes?

Yes! For all tech and other classes conducted in the Discovery Lab, visit our online calendar. Discovery Lab classes and programs are typically scheduled by age group with programs available to patrons from age 8 through adult.

For a detailed search of all Tech Classes in and outside of the Discovery Lab, Click here:

How can I use the Discovery Lab for my own projects?

Items created in the Discovery Lab are for personal, educational, or hobby use only. Commercial use, mass production, or creating items for sale is not permitted. Patrons are responsible for ensuring their designs comply with copyright and trademark laws.

Does the Discovery Lab have open hours?

All participants attending our Open Discovery Lab sessions must follow safety procedures and staff instructions at all times.  Use of Discovery Lab equipment requires signing the Discovery Lab Equipment Usage Policy & Waiver, confirming understanding and agreement to these guidelines.

Review and sign before attending Open Discovery Lab Hours.

Discovery Lab Policy and Waiver

What is Available?

  • Glowforge Laser Engraver
  • 2 Cricut Maker 3’s
  • Bambu A1 3D Printer
  • Bambu A1 Mini 3D printer
  • VR headsets
  • iPads
  • Merge cubes
  • magnetic kits
  • Micro:bit kits
  • Simple Circuts kits

Availability of machines is on a first come first serve basis.

How can I utilize the 3D Printer?

We are currently working on a printing program. Stay tuned.

Open Discovery Lab

Open Discovery Lab is a self-paced work session for experienced users who are comfortable working independently. This is not an instructional class—staff will be available for safety oversight only, and participants are expected to prepare and finalize their own files. This program is open to Oceanside Library patrons who have previously completed a Glowforge or Cricut instructional class. Patrons must bring their own materials (subject to approval) and follow all safety procedures. Use of equipment requires a signed Discovery Lab Equipment Usage Policy & Waiver. Space is limited to 7 participants per session.

Search our calendar for available sessions.

Coding Platforms for All Ages

Scratch, developed by MIT, is a free block-based coding platform for children.

Code Combat is a partially free platform that uses game-based learning to teach text-based coding to beginners (ages 9 and up).

Anyone can learn AI + computer science Start your computer science and AI literacy journey today. Code.org offers courses and activities that are free, fun, and fit for all skill levels.