The following article was written by Tony Plekan, a Public Services Librarian at the Manitowoc Public Library.
The Idea Box is Manitowoc Public Library’s makerspace, a room dedicated to offering Teens and Adults access to both high-tech and low-tech equipment for hands-on learning and artistic expression. The Idea Box is home to many amazing pieces of equipment, such as Sewing Machines, a Sound Booth, and a Glowforge. I am excited to announce that MPL’s makerspace has seen an upgrade to our 3D printing capability with a new Prusa CORE One 3D Printer!
3D printers melt plastic filament and reconfigure that material into three-dimensional objects. 3D printers have become more common over the last decade both in industry and for recreation. Having this new 3D printer at Manitowoc Public Library will allow our patrons to create fantastic keepsakes and expand their knowledge of 3D printing.
In order to use Idea Box equipment, you must attend a free Badging Session, During a Badging Session, people go through a brief training instructional on how to properly operate a specific piece of equipment. Each piece of equipment has its own badging session. Once you complete the one-time class for that equipment, you are able to use that device unsupervised during library hours.
Tony Plekan
Our first badging session for the Prusa CORE One 3D Printer takes place on Wednesday, July 16, at 5:30 PM in the Idea Box. Registration is required and opens on Monday, July 7, at 9 AM and you must be at least 14-years old to register. Those under the age of 18 must have a parent or legal guardian present at the Badging Session, covers 3D printing basics like finding designs, editing models, and changing the filament. So, if you’d like to get badged on this amazing piece of equipment, head to www.manitowoclibrary.org/event/3d-printer-badging-session-24270 at 9 AM on July 7 to secure your spot!
Please Note: this class will not cover how to create new 3D models. You will learn how to find and customize existing models from the internet.
Badging sessions for the 3D Printer (as well as the other Idea Box equipment) are available periodically throughout the year. Our website has an Idea Box page where you can look at the available equipment and register for upcoming badging sessions.
I look forward to seeing all the wonderful things library users will make with this fantastic new 3D printer. If you are interested in using the 3D Printer at MPL, please register for one of our 3D Printer Badging Sessions.
