3D printing comes to the library

If you've recently spent a few minutes of your time at Tiffin-Seneca Public Library looking at any of the three display cases in the adult section, you may have noticed some new fillers used to enhance the materials on display from TSPL's collection: some peppers, oranges, lemons, a plate of chocolate chip cookies, and a cute little picnic basket. These items are products of the library's newest acquisitions, two 3D printers. The 3D printers, currently housed in the Technical Services/IT office of the library, are an exciting new addition to TSPL, thanks to the hard work and planning of the IT department and one of the library's newer staff members, Technology Trainer Hayle Lucas. The first 3D printer, an enclosed model that can print objects of up to four separate colors, arrived in mid-April; the second printer, a smaller open model that can print with one color of filament at a time, arrived in mid-May. Since their arrival, Lucas has worked to learn their ins and outs, including how to clear jams, how to handle failed print jobs, and manipulation of print files to change the sizing of the 3D printed objects. Lucas collaborated with other departments in the library on projects from the pieces for the Technical Services Department's display cases, to page holders used by the Junior Department during story time programs, to bookmarks made as a giveaway for adults, teens, and outreach patrons completing this year's summer reading program requirements. She is currently working with other library staff to make 3D printed objects that will be used as prizes and giveaways for upcoming programs and events at the library. In addition to in-house use, Lucas is developing programs of her own that will introduce the public to our 3D printers and show patrons the wide range of items that can be created with them. Currently, programs are being developed for a wide range of ages, from adults to teens to tweens. The IT Department is planning to start 3D printer programming at the beginning of September. Once the programs are up and running, patrons can order their own 3D printed objects through the library. Patrons will be able to order 3D printed items online through a link on the library's website or in person at the library with a form available at the information desk. Printed objects cannot be commercially licensed and will cost 10¢ per gram of filament used. Lucas will provide patrons with an estimated cost when an order is placed. After printing, Lucas will weigh the item then contact the patron to let them know their print is ready and what the final price will be. Patrons must pay for their items upon picking them up at the library. Lucas is also planning to have a display set up in the library before 3D printer programming starts in the fall. The display will include sample printed items with labels for the cost of printing each one and sample swatches of the filament colors available for prints. More 3D objects will be used in future library displays, including a scale model one-room schoolhouse for the Fall 2025 display on the history of education in Seneca County. Stop by the library to check out our current display on the history of picnics and homecomings in Seneca County. Visitors can also scan the QR code on the signage for the display to see a time lapse video of the printing of the picnic basket. Jennifer Aloisi is the Digitization Librarian at the Tiffin-Seneca Public Library.