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.