LA Public Library (Octavia Lab)

The challenge

Creative education and career exploration shouldn't be limited by age, school enrollment, or the ability to pay. Libraries already serve as trusted community spaces where students, families, and adults can access learning, technology, and opportunity.

The Music to the Ears approach

• Produce a series of hands-on workshops at the LA Public Library's Octavia Lab
• Introduce participants to creative technology, music, and emerging career pathways
• Connect creative interests to practical skills, entrepreneurship, and careers
• Use existing public resources to make creative learning more accessible

The experience

At the Octavia Lab, Music to the Ears and Academix produced workshops ranging from DJing and music technology for young people and families to creative skills, digital media, and career exploration for adults, connecting participants with tools, technology, and pathways they can continue exploring beyond the workshop.

The impact

• Creative learning delivered through a free, trusted public institution
• Programming designed for youth, families, and adult learners
• Greater awareness of creative technology and career opportunities
• A community-based model that connects public resources with education and workforce development