Editor's note: This story has been updated to include details on the logo design contest for the innovation lab, which were released Sept. 4.

Tomball residents can now enter in a logo design contest for the future Tomball Innovation Lab, which is slated for an early 2020 grand opening, according to a Sept. 4 press release from Harris County Public Library. Design submissions will open Sept. 8 and close Nov. 8.

The selected logo will be used for all communications and branding for the innovation lab, and the winner will be recognized at the grand opening ceremony, slated for early 2020.

Artwork can be submitted online at https://bit.ly/2kd8197 or paper forms can be picked up and submitted at the Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library's first floor reference desk, located at 30555 Hwy. 249, Tomball. Paper forms will also be uploaded to the library's website.

Contestants of all ages are welcome to submit artwork under the following guidelines, according to the release:

  • Be inspired by the phrase "Your Destination for Innovation Experience"

  • Be original artwork, hand or digitally drawn

  • Reflect the technology and potential for innovation the lab will offer

  • Use a maximum of four colors

  • Fit within an 8-inch by 8-inch format


Entrants are allowed to submit more than one design, and a winner will be announced in December, the Sept. 4 release said.

“We hope that this design opportunity helps to showcase the artistic talent of our Tomball community and prompts
them to use the innovation lab for their future creative endeavors,” said Janna Hoglund, director of the LSC-Tomball Community Library.

A closer look at the innovation lab


The public innovation lab will offer advanced technologies and services to allow area inventors, artists, entrepreneurs and other creatives to design and produce a wide range of projects, an Aug. 27 press release from HCPL said. The venue, located in the LSC-Tomball Community Library, will be open to people of all ages and skill levels.

"As new technology arrives, we look at how we can use it to engage the public," HCPL Director Edward Melton said in the release. "The innovation lab will help foster enthusiasm for learning, provide a hands-on making experience and empower the public to become active creators and innovators."

Starter equipment for the lab will include a 3D printer, computer numerical control machines, such as a laser cutter, robotics and coding tools, and Oculus Go virtual reality headsets, the release said.

"We are so grateful for the input and support we have received for this exciting new initiative, and with continued development with community partners, we are looking forward to creating a space that is a true community [collaboration]," Janna Hoglund, director of Lone Star College-Tomball Community Library, said in the Aug. 27 press release.

Harris County Precinct 4, LSC-Tomball, HCA Houston Healthcare Tomball, the Greater Tomball Area Chamber of Commerce, the city of Tomball, Tomball Economic Development Corporation and Tomball ISD joined HCPL and LSC-Tomball Community Library to work collaboratively on the innovation lab, according to the release.

"Partnerships like the one that produced the Tomball Innovation Lab provide a perfect example of how governments can partner more efficiently to offer the resources and the programs our constituents so badly need," Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle said.