This week, a look at the Inspiration Lab at the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch, a free photography mini-con at London Drugs, and a smartphone app designed for couples only.

Vancouver Public Library opens digital media lab on May 5

The Inspiration Lab at the Vancouver Public Library’s Central Branch on Homer Street is a place for storytelling in the digital age. The 7,500 square foot space will be free to use.

The space includes:

• Four fully equipped sound booths
• A recording studio with green screen and a camera on a dolly
• 12 work stations equipped with software for photo and video editing, audio mixing, and print and publishing design
• A large LCD screen and seating for digital presentations

In a release, the VPL director of collections and technology said that the lab is a “natural extension of the public computers and technology training we’ve offered for many years.”

Christina de Castell added, “Libraries have always been about creating and sharing stories, ideas, information and cultural expressions – in a place that’s free and accessible to everyone.”

The VPL plans on running programs to teach users how to use the tools that are in the lab, including experts in film, game development, and digital design. The VPL is also providing free access, for any Vancouver resident with a library card, to lynda.com, the online learning hub.

Get digital camera tips from pro photographers

This Saturday, May 2, London Drugs is hosting #LDFotoCon at the Broadway and Cambie store in Vancouver.

The free event gives you a chance to learn about digital photography techniques from professional shooters who are specialists in the fields of travel, sports, and more.

You’ll also get a chance to see the latest gear from the likes of Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, Ricoh, and Sony.

LDFotoCon will also be taking place in Calgary (May 2), Coquitlam (May 9), Edmonton (May 23), Kelowna (May 30), and Victoria (May 23). Register here.

PlayTogether is an app for couples only

Lelo designs and sells “intimate lifestyle products”. Sex toys. The company, based in Stockholm, Sweden, makes products that are on the high end of the spectrum, with some – items – made of gold plate and priced at nearly Cdn$18,000.

The company commissioned an app, PlayTogether, that is only able to be experienced by two people.

PlayTogether was developed to accompany a short film, produced by Lelo, that will premiere in Cannes this May. Beyond the Wave stars Casper Van Dien (you might know him from Starship Troopers, which was released in 1997).

Surprisingly, there are no sex toys in Beyond the Wave.