Connecticut: 3D Printers Turn Library Into Place of Dreams

Update: Take a 2 Minute Video Tour of the Westport Library’s MakerSpace (via Republican-American of Waterbury)
From the AP (via SF Chronicle & Republican-American of Waterbury):

The hottest attraction at the Westport Library is not a book or collection of DVDs, but rather two manufacturing units.
At the heart of the spacious library, an area called MakerSpace has been carved out to encourage creativity and the spirit of invention. Inside the space are two MakerBot Replicator machines — 3D printers, as they are more commonly known.
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Reference librarian Margie Freilich-Den said the library helps its patrons with job searches, and the Maker Faire was just one step to encourage residents to “get back to our manufacturing roots” and encourage people with ideas to try them out. Maker Faire is sponsored by Maker magazine and is its own brand promoting innovation, invention and doing things yourself.
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Since the first 3D printer started operating in July, dozens of visitors have come in to see it, use it and learn.
One man brought in his patented design for a device that plugs into a car cell phone charger and locks the phone so it cannot be used to text or talk while driving. Another man brought his own patented design for a medical device, a type of catheter.

Read the Complete Article
See Also: The Westport Library’s MakerSpace Was Featured in the October 2012 issue of Library Journal (PDF)

Filed under: Libraries, News, Patrons and Users