Tinkerers and designers delight!
3D printers are showing up at local libraries around the country, allowing patrons to get hands-on experience with cutting edge technology that can rapidly turn ideas into real objects. This means your kids can design an object on a computer (this is called computer-aided design, or CAD) and watch it rapidly come to life as the 3D printer produces a three-dimensional object using additive manufacturing (a process where successive layers of materials are laid down to make a finished product).
In 2014, the Newton Free Library (Boston area) purchased a MakerBot 3D printer as part of their STEAM initiative (STEM plus “art and design”). I talked with Liz Rowland, the Teen Librarian, about the reason for purchasing a 3D printer, and she said that the library wanted its patrons and residents to be able to learn about and experiment first-hand with the latest technologies, and develop their skills in capturing ideas, tinkering, designing, making objects and more.
The response from patrons has been overwhelmingly positive and the library has an extensive waiting list for its 3D design workshops. Liz likes that teens learn about 3D design and are encouraged to create their own designs and print them at the library. Over the past few months, students have been designing and printing personalized name plates. She’s hoping that this experience, along with other programs, will inspire teens to follow a STEAM track.
These are exciting times at libraries, so keep your eyes out for free technology workshops at your library, like 3D printing. To see if there is a 3D printer at a library near you, do an online search for “3D printer library [insert your geographic area]”.
Image Sources: MakerBot Industries- Replicator 2 by Creative Tools
