Programs

Programs for Virtual Reality

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Virtual Reality lends itself to all ages, and that versatility makes it perfect for quick, easy technology programs. The programs you plan will depend heavily on the device that you purchase. If you are using an inexpensive headset, you might want to consider having two or three purchased and available for a better experience. If you are using the Vive or Oculus Rift, your program will be based on one person using the device at a time. Here are a few ways you can get started:

  • Create a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly drop-in program for patrons. Depending on the number of patrons that attend, you might have to limit sessions with the Vive to one per person from anywhere from 10-15 minutes. Have a number of apps or games loaded and ready to go, and be sure to be ready to help out with instructions at any moment.
    • If you are working with something like the HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, of PlayStation VR, you want to be sure you explain how to use the controllers to a new users, as they can be a bit tricky
  • Travel/museum program: Using multiple headsets, or even just a few, have patrons virtually travel the world and see different museums with various VR apps. Google itself has a nice number of these apps, and sometimes even videos on YouTube work. 
  • All About Games: Load up some fun games for teens, older children, and even adults and have a lighthearted gaming competition! This can be done with almost any VR headset. 
  • 3D Design: For larger systems like the Vive and Rift, there are virtual 3D design programs available for purchase. Patrons can create their own design in VR, then they can be exported and possibly even printed!


Outreach

Bringing a VR headset to an outreach event can help bring in new library users! Have a staff member demo VR, or create a sign-up sheet so community members can give it a try. Again, be sure to have a select number of games and apps available to give a brief but comprehensive VR overview. 

Pro tip: If you are using a headset with fabric and padding in any of your VR programs, have gentle wipes on hand to wipe off the fabric in between users.

Programs for the Green Screen

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Having a green screen provides so many fun opportunities for programs, outreach, or even drop-in pictures on your main floor. 

Even with just a basic piece of green cloth and an app for your mobile device, you can create a fun, engaging experience for patrons. With chromakey software and apps for green screens, you can usually email and share images or even GIFs with your patrons, or go so far as to print out their funny pictures. Be sure to consider the space you’re using for the green screen, and if you have the time and money, maybe go all out with lights and a DSLR camera. You can recreate a photo booth experience right at the library!

Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

Outreach: Select a range of backgrounds and bring the green screen and a mobile device like an iPad to outreach events. Have anyone who stops by your table take a fun picture, and send them an email with their picture. You can also bring props to make it more engaging.

Family photos: Have patrons come to the library to take their family holiday photos! Curate a fun selection of backgrounds for families to choose, and email and/or print the pictures for patrons. If you want to print pictures, you might want to consider purchasing a good quality photo printer, and limit sizes to 4×6 for printing on the spot. Emailing the patrons will allow them to use the photos however they would like. 

Summer Reading Clubs: Use your green screen for any of your Summer Reading Club programs and celebrations. Find thematic backgrounds and props, and have fun!

Travel the World Virtually: If you’ve brought virtual reality (VR) to your library, do a virtual travel program! Have your patrons explore the world using a VR headset, then encourage them to take a picture at a landmark from that country using the green screen. Simple, easy, and fun! There are so many ways to incorporate a green screen into your programs and outreach efforts.

Programs for 3D Printing

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After you have your 3D printer set up, your materials purchased, and your staff trained, you might want to put together some great programs for your community. This is an excellent way to introduce your community to 3D printing, and promote any upcoming services you might begin. 3D printing programs can work for patrons of all ages, with the exception of young children. If possible, bring your 3D printer to your programming room for these programs, or do a quick tour to your 3D printer if it’s on the public floor.  

Here are just a few programs you can put together for your library:

  • Introduction to 3D Printing: For adults and teens. An introductory lesson to what 3D printing is, how it’s done, and how the library can help. Bring your 3D printer with you so patrons can see the printer. Run a design during the class for an extra element.
  • 3D Printing Design: For adults and teens. With a set of computers, teach your patrons how to use web-based CAD program TinkerCAD. All they need to do is set up an account with an email address to get started. You can walk them through creating a simple design — keychains work great. Then, print the design in their selected filament color, and leave them for pick up at one of your public services desk. Tip: have the patrons save the STL file to the desktop of their computer, and rename the file to include the patron’s name and filament color choice. 
  • Cookie Cutter program: For adults, teens, and older kids. Patrons can design their very own cookie cutter in TinkerCAD or a similar program, then you print them out! This is a great program to do around the holidays, or to celebrate National Cookie Day on December 4! Tip: have the patrons save the STL file to the desktop of their computer, and rename the file to include the patron’s name and filament color choice. 
  • 3D Printing for Businesses: Connect with your local Chamber of Commerce, or even a few small business owners, and show them how to use 3D printing software and the printer itself. This is a great way to meet with local business owners, get them involved in the library, and gauge their interest in additional programming — technology or not.


There are only a few ideas to get you started. You can run these programs monthly, bi-monthly, once a year, or however frequently you would like.

Programs and Library Uses for Vinyl & Paper Cutting

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Your vinyl cutter creates almost endless possibilities for patron and staff use. Here you will find ideas to get you started in programs, displays, and decorations.

Your patrons can have fun creating designs and then watching them print and come to life with the library’s vinyl cutter. You can purchase supplies in advance for your program attendees, or ask patrons to bring their own item of your specification. You might also want to have certain elements of the designs already printed, and attendees will build their custom creation from there. Choose what works best for your library and community. You can always adjust after the first couple of programs. Here are just a few programs you can do with your patrons:


  • Storytime: For children. Use your cutting machine to create colorful and exciting crafts for storytime. This could help save money in the long-run, and you can fully customize your crafts to whichever story is being read that day.
  • Greeting Cards! For adults and teens. Patrons get to customize their very own card. This is a simple program that can be opened up to many people. Be sure to have a selection or paper and designs available — but not so much that it takes your patrons a long time to choose.
    • Here is where you might want to have a certain number of elements already printed, including the card base itself, and have patrons choose what they would like to add to their card.
    • You can also bring in gel pens, stickers, and other options for patrons.
  • Glassware: For adults. Using vinyl, have patrons print out sayings or designs to be placed on glassware — glass mugs, tumblers, and even a glass vase are great for this craft.
  • Canvas Art: For adults and teens. With small-medium size canvases, patrons can create their own work of art. You will need paint supplies for this program as well. Patrons choose a design that is printed on vinyl, apply it to their canvas, paint with whichever colors they would like, then peel off the vinyl to reveal a colorful design!

There are so many more programs available to you! Be prepared for a high volume of attendees and potential waitlists — these programs get popular!


Displays & Decor for Librarians In addition to program usage, you can use your vinyl and paper cutter to create beautiful displays in any department. This allows you to fully customize your displays and get the exact look you’re after. If you’re careful during takedown, you can save and reuse these designs to reduce waste.

Programs and Ideas for 3D Scanning

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3D scanning programs can be more than just a lesson on 3D printing — they can actually be fun! They are also simple to run with the right equipment. You can use a piece of paper and an app, the MergeCube, or go more detailed with a portable or desktop scanner. 

Plan out your program in advance, and be sure that you have everything you need. It might be helpful to make a list of the equipment you will need in advance and create an action plan for the program. You might want to create a list of 3D scanning basics and tips for participants so that they understand how the technology works, and how best to scan an object.

Scan, edit, and view your favorite outdoor object: Great for children and young teens! Take a nature walk with a portable 3D scanner or a mobile device, and have participants find an object to scan. This can be a rock, leaf, flower, or something else — as long as it’s not too big. You can then have them view and move around their object on the computer. Be sure to guide your participants in scanning, having them work slowly around the object.

Digitize and view historical items: Schedule a museum or historical society visit and use a portable scanner or mobile app to scan and digitize historical objects. Before scanning, a representative from the organization can give a brief history lesson on the objects that will be scanned. This is a great trip for all ages, but particularly fun for children. The digitized objects can also be emailed to the organization you’re working with! 

Scan and view an object in VR: Use the MergeCube or any other 3D scanner to scan an object in 360 degrees to be viewed and played with in virtual reality. This is fun to do with virtual reality game TiltShift, where you can paint and draw in virtual reality.