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Mick Jacobsen here, one of the library’s mad scientists. Have you heard about 3D printers? Most 3D printers build objects by heating a specially designed plastic filament and layering it to form objects. Printable objects are first designed using Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, such as the relatively easy to learn Tinkercad.com. Here's a TED talk that explains the process.

At Skokie Public Library, we now have two awesome Afinia H800 3D printers out for library visitors to see in action. One is on the second floor in the Computer Commons, and the other is The Lab.

To send designs for us to print, make or download something cool off of Thingverse, then follow these instructions.

We also teach group classes on 3D printing if you want help getting started. Or if you can’t make it in for a class, try Lynda.com for all sorts of great tutorials on designing for 3D printing.

Need inspiration? Meet Amanda, one of our favorite 3D printing patrons. Happy making!