Making a Batman mask for a furry friend is not something you might expect to do at a library.
But somewhere on the North Shore there is a happy Batdog thanks to a new tool being offered to the public. The fido-friendly mask is just one of the creations that has been made with the new 3D printer at the North Vancouver District Public Library's Lynn Valley branch.
The library launched its 3D printing service in their StoryLab space – where people can explore and learn new technologies — in November. The 3D printer aims to reflect the library’s commitment to making new technologies accessible to the community while building digital literacy and creative skills.
Since its launch, the library has seen an “overwhelmingly positive” response to the printer.
“There was a lot of excitement and anticipation,” said Jasmine Eadie, the library’s creative technology advisor. “It’s been really cool seeing the mix of what we’re receiving from the community for prints.”
How does it work?
People can design their own 3D model at home through an STL file or find a print-ready file online on what they want to create.
Once you know the design you want to create, you’ll review the terms of service guidelines and complete a 3D printing request form, attaching the file.
After this, the library will send a quote for the print job. If everything looks good, you confirm with the library through email and then staff will print the project.
When the project is done, the person will receive an email when it’s ready for pickup at the Lynn Valley branch. Payment is made at the circulation desk on the first floor, with your receipt being your ticket to grab your 3D item at the StoryLab.
How much does it cost?
The cost system is based on weight, Eadie said.
3D printed items cost $1 for the first 10 grams of filament, then 10 cents for each subsequent gram (including supports). There are also some limitations on the size of items available to print and the amount of time the printer can be used for one job. The money collected covers the cost of materials.
“We definitely want to keep it affordable and accessible,” Eadie said. “Just a little bit to replace the filament costs and to ensure that folks pick up their prints.”
3D printing opens door for accessibility, problem-solving and innovation
Eadie and other library staff have seen or created various 3D projects ranging from accessibility tools like adaptive handles for folks who may have trouble gripping small objects to replacement parts for board games or equipment.
“Libraries have always been about access, and nowadays that’s more than just books. These technologies really open the doors to creativity and things we never thought possible,” Eadie said, adding that staff members have been impressed by the creativity of the items they've printed for library patrons.
A lot of children have come to use the printer, Eadie said, creating projects like a giant Megalodon shark tooth.
“I think having them have accessibility to these machines early to see what they can think of and create is very important and special,” she said.
The North Vancouver District Public Library is the first library to bring 3D printing services to the North Shore. For kids wanting to know more about 3D printing and design, the library will be hosting four workshops for children ages 9 to 12 in February, running from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursdays.
A monthly What’s 3D Printing? workshop for adults will take place on the first Saturday of every month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., starting Feb. 1.
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
[email protected]
https://x.com/abbyyluciano
https://bsky.app/profile/abbyluciano.bsky.social
