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Lynn Valley Library’s new digital storytelling space is now open

After being delayed due to the pandemic, StoryLab is now available for bookings
Ben Bengtson
It was years in planning, under construction for months and delayed indefinitely by a pandemic, but the North Shore’s newest digital storytelling space is now open to the public at a time when we all have some urgent tales to tell.

StoryLab at Lynn Valley Library is now accepting bookings, the North Vancouver District Public Library system announced today.

Designed as a dedicated space for digital literacy, creativity, collaboration and storytelling, the new space – constructed in the former server room on the second floor of the library – is equipped with an audio-recording booth, video studio, digitization station and editing station.

StoryLab was supposed to open last spring but was delayed due to COVID-19.

The vision for the space is to inspire local creators to bring their stories to life using a variety of new and exciting mediums – think everything from podcasting, filmmaking, self-publishing and archiving, to digital artistry and entrepreneurship.

“We are living in and through a significant time in our community’s history right now,” stated Jacqueline van Dyk, director of library services, in a news release. “Across our community are stories of resilience, grief, and of community togetherness even while we are apart – we have an opportunity to leave legacies for future generations and tell our personal stories to those that come after us. StoryLab can be a place for that.”

Another goal of the digital storytelling space is to provide barrier-free access to creation technologies so more people in the community are able to hone their tech and creation skills.

“By providing barrier-free access to shared technologies and resources for digital creation, the library hopes to fulfil that need in our community, and act as a catalyst to inspire a community of creators,” van Dyk told the North Shore News in an interview last year prior to the pandemic hitting and StoryLab being delayed a year.

As part of the library system’s gradual restoration of services, StoryLab is now accepting online requests for bookings. Due to COVID-19, appointments are quite limited to ensure health and safety protocols are followed, according to the release.

A virtual tour of the news space is planned for this Sunday (March 28).

Visit the library’s website to learn more or request a booking.