CreationStation is a digital learning lab and recording studio at the Palm Beach County (FL) Library System. CreationStation users are discovering the library as a place to develop hands-on skills in the use of technology and media production, learning how to share work produced, and becoming community “storytellers” using digital tools. Target audiences for Creation Station include: Adults lacking the technical capacity to create digital content; Adults with digital skills but no access to higher level hardware and software; Children and teens (through organized programs) with creative minds who want to have fun and learn new ways to express their ideas; Local residents with digital content, but no platform to share it.

Equipment includes Apple computers with image and video editing software, a sound board, video cameras, scanner, a green screen, microphones, and more.

CreationStation activities are aimed towards adults and youth, supporting STEM learning for all by fostering technology competencies of:

1. creativity and innovation to create new ideas,
2. communication and collaboration using new media, and
3. digital citizenship through the practice of legal and ethical use of digital tools.

Since opening in February, 2014, CreationStation has fostered learning, entrepreneurship, innovation and fun! Users have produced podcasts and videos to create digital portfolios. Teens have learned green screen technology and used drawing tools. Citizen producers are learning to express themselves on multiple platforms. CreationStation provides user networking opportunities using the skills acquired to fully participate in a 21st century environment.

Although the Palm Beach County Library CreationStation has only been open for a short time, we are clearly reaching our goals of supporting innovation with hands-on lab use. During the first 2 months of existence:

• Over 120 individuals/small groups have booked the lab, many of whom are new to the library.
• Over 20 classes/orientations delivered.
• On-demand learning (via Lynda.com) has made learning more convenient to lab users.
• Community groups have reached out to the library, many for the first time, to explore the possibilities for creating local content. Examples include an oral history project (Palm Beach County Genealogical Society); local musicians recording in the lab; and new, locally generated podcasts.
• A website has been launched to host created content.
• New content has been generated in the form of video, music, digital images, and podcasts, with most created by digital novices.
• CreationStation users, previously unknown to one another, are collaborating on a video project with a local focus.
• Library staff has engaged in over 100 hours of training that will benefit all library patrons, not only those using CreationStation.
• Library staff is currently exploring how to involve our 16 branches in CreationStation. Possibilities include mini-labs that will offer a better opportunity for the entire county to learn and share their stories in new innovative ways.