Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library

Take your skills, hobbies and work to the next level in the community’s free cutting-edge technology work space – the Level 2 Tech Center. This area includes a fully-equipped digital art studio, two recording studios, 30 computers and 5 small meeting rooms. Regardless of your skill level, the library has the staff, equipment, software and training to help you level up your tech game.

How you might use the Level 2 Tech Center

Newbie

Wants to try their hand at creating a podcast but doesn’t really know where to start. Sets up an orientation meeting with our Tech Team to learn how to use the recording studio. Takes a few LinkedIn Learning classes on podcasts, makes a plan and starts recording. First podcast done and ready for more. Starts to be known as Podcast Hacker around town (well, maybe just to their friends).

Ready to start that Etsy side hustle but doesn’t have the money to buy the design software or the design equipment. Sets up an orientation meeting for the Digital Art Studio with the Tech Team to get independent use of the equipment. Spends much of their free time designing, redesigning and finally 3D printing the cutest, most perfect cat accessory ever. Library Business Team helps them figure out if they’ve got everything set up to do their side hustle as a small business. Accessory sells out in the first week.

Register for equipment/room orientation class to learn to use a recording studio or the digital art studio. Once you’ve learned the basics of how the equipment works, you can schedule time in these spaces to work on whatever you’d like – podcasts, videos, photo editing, graphic design, vinyl lettering or almost anything else you dream up. View upcoming tours and orientation classes. Another great learning tool is LinkedIn Learning, which you can use free with your library card. Tech Center staff will help you find the best courses to help you accomplish your goals.

Amp up your audio game in one of our recording studios. From podcasts to music recordings, the recording studios have you covered with soundproofing up to 80db. We have built in equipment to easily podcast with up to four guests in an attractive space. Use our Shure mics to run audio through the PreSonus Studio audio interface and access recording software such as GarageBand, Audacity and the Adobe Creative Suite. You will not only sound better than recording in your friend’s basement, your background will look professional in your selfies to promote your newest episode.

Recording Studio B includes a video setup. Oral histories, YouTube demos, video resumes – your creativity is in the driver seat with our built-in Panasonic Lumix G7 cameras, Pearl Mini video production system and video editing software (edit in the Design Studio). You can use our green screen to add your own backgrounds and effects! We have staff available to help you troubleshoot.

CoLab Rooms are excellent for virtual meetings, remote work, video interviews and consultations. These rooms provide a quiet space equipped with technology for one to three people. Each room has a small conference table, 42” monitor with built-in webcam and speakers, and work software such as the Microsoft suite.

You will be able to reserve a CoLab Room up to seven days in advance for up to three hours a day with your library card. We anticipate these rooms will be available in late September when back-ordered equipment arrives.

Youth in the Tech Center

The Level 2 Tech Center is a place for those seeking to work, create and design using the digital tools available. Because of the tools, please be aware of the following guidelines for youth.

Public Computers area 

• An adult will supervise a child younger than 8 years and must work together on the same computer
• Public computers may be used by kids 8 years and older, independently

Digital Arts Studio

• Adults and youth 12 years+ will take an Orientation class prior to use will cover how to use the tools
• Youth 12 years of age and older may use the studio independently>
• Youth 8-11 years must be accompanied and supervised by an adult who has completed an orientation class
• Children younger than 8 years are not eligible to use the studio

CoLab Rooms

• Adults will supervise a child younger than 8 years and work together in the same room

Recording Studios

• Youth aged 12 years+ may use the studios independently after orientation class
• Youth 8-11 years must be accompanied and supervised by an adult who has complete orientation class
• Children younger than 8 years of age are not eligible to use the studios