TPL has ~100 branches, and 13 "Digital Innovation Hubs" - which resemble a maker space. Those spaces have 3D printers, and computers with software that isn't on the standard library computers including Adobe Creative Cloud 2023, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Autodesk Fusion 360, and DaVinci Resolve. They also have one "Creation Loft" at North York Central Library, which has sewing machines, an embroidery machine, a vinyl printer, and a tshirt press. The Creation Loft has been enough of a success that the new St. Lawrence branch (to open in 2028 or 2029?) will have a Creation Loft as well. Since button makers were mentioned ... I know the Creation Loft has one, and some of the Teen Zones have them but the Teen Zone ones may only come out for programs while the Creation Loft one is bookable for patrons. TPL has also started a big program to educate the public on using AI. Ironically, the best easily accessible explanation doesn't come from their site: https://www.urbanlibraries.org/innovations/ai-upskilling-initiative . I have a lot of problems with AI and wish they weren't rushing headlong into it, but I don't make the calls and whether I like it or not, AI is "important." <sigh> On Mon, 20 Apr 2026 at 19:53, CAREY SCHUG via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
Curious about other Canadian cities, as well as other US cities, if people will speak up.
I believe the suburban libraries in my area (Chicago) are all creating maker labs, with a wide array of devices, down to button makers. The Chicago public library has a BIG one (IIRC think that was even before covid), not sure if the branch libraries do. My library also has "build family history" kits and other things I don't recall, that can be checked out.
I remember when a copier was a large device, you took a sheet of paper out of a light tight drawer and put it over your original on top, turned on a bright light for multiple seconds, then put that sheet in a liquid in the bottom for some time, then through wringers and heat to dry it out. I was a kid, doing volunteer work in the local alderman's office, just watched, never actually did it.
Carey
On 04/20/2026 1:44 PM CDT D. Hugh Redelmeier via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
From: Giles Orr via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org>
On Tue, 7 Apr 2026 at 05:54, CAREY SCHUG via Talk <talk@lists.gtalug.org> wrote:
1. you can likely go to your local public library and fax documents for free (i have done this). You may be able to do this from home, but that will require a library card, I am sure.
You haven't done it in Toronto - or if you have, the staff were helping you above and beyond the call of duty.
Carey is in the US. It's great that he participates in GTALUG, but some of his experiences will not carry over to Toronto.
If I were to guess, each library system might be different. Certainly the TPL tries to innovate to become more relevant. At this point, FAX service might not be innovation.
I remember when Xeroxing was new and expensive. In 1967 or 1968 I used a copier at the old TPL Central Reference Library at College and St. George. I paid something like $0.25 a page! Real money then. It was some chemically thing, not Xerox. (I now have that book from which I copied a paper. You can too <https://archive.org/details/programmingsyste0000saul>)
-- Giles https://www.gilesorr.com/ gilesorr@gmail.com