CHESAPEAKE, OH (WOWK) - An Ohio library is welcoming a new piece of technology to their community, and leaders hope the investment will pay off for years to come.
The Chesapeake Branch of Briggs Library in Lawrence County recently unveiled its new, state-of-the-art 3D printing lab, which they call the Briggs Beyond Books MakerSpace.
This $20,000 investment allows anybody, no matter their experience, to design and create figures using 3D printers. The lab features three 3D printing machines and a laser engraving machine that can cut designs into wood.
Gavin Boggs, the project manager, says he's excited to bring this top-tier technology to southern Ohio.
"We come from an area that is a little behind on that. So being able to provide them with an idea of what's out there, you know, if they wanted to explore something in engineering, or anything with mechanical backgrounds, we can provide a jumpstart on that. We want to show them, 'hey, if you can wish it, you can want it, you can build it, we've got that,'" said Boggs.
You don't need to have an engineering background to begin using the machine. Boggs says anyone can pop into the Chesapeake library, take a quick 20-minute training course, and be ready to begin bringing their ideas to life.
Boggs says his favorite part of the lab so far is seeing people's faces light up when they see what's possible.
"Obviously I'm not a kid, but I do have that kid-at-heart, so getting to play around with this stuff and figure out how it works, I was excited about, and seeing that same reaction from kids that come in, or even adults that are amazed at what we can do now, and being able to tell them like, 'I can help you do that,' brings me a lot of joy," said Boggs.
Boggs says that soon they'll be hosting class trips, where they'll show off what the 3D printers are capable of and instill the love of STEM programs in children at a young age.
If you'd like to take a tour of the lab or begin 3D printing yourself, you can go to the Chesapeake Library and drop in, or book an appointment on their website.