Everyone is familiar with printers, which can print an image of a document on a piece of paper. But, thanks to technology, 3D printers are now available, which actually create an object in three dimensions with height, width and depth.

Locally, the Atglen Public Library (APL) has its own 3D printer, which it received as part of a Video Game Clubs of America (VGCUSA) PAsmart grant. Library staff member Regina Roeder and library director Robbyn Kehoe demonstrated how the printer worked on March 29 by creating a three-dimensional model of a fox. A printer demonstration will also be held at the library on Saturday, April 12, from noon to 3 p.m.

Using plastic filament, a 3D printer builds an object layer by layer by squirting the plastic through a nozzle like a hot glue gun. "You put the filament into the tube, and the nozzle melts it," Roeder explained. "(The finished product) is made out of plastic. It is very solid."

There is also a computer attached to the printer, which allows users to monitor the print's progress. "There's a camera in (the printer), and it shows what is going on (on the computer screen)," Roeder noted.

The fox that was printed took about 40 minutes to complete. "The thing we learned last summer at one of the programs is that (the object) has to be supported, so for a lot of items you have to print a base," said Kehoe. "The fox model is completely flat, so it doesn't need a base."

Also featured during the day were demonstrations of the library's handheld 3D printers, which allowed patrons to use a "pen" to create 3D images. "It's exactly the same (material as the 3D printer). Filament sticks go in back (of the pen)," said Kehoe. "These are special models for kids. They don't get hot, and you can't burn yourself with the tip."

Kehoe pointed out that the library's 3D printer was used this summer when students made a pinball machine with a cardboard box. The paddles and objects inside the pinball machines were made using the library's 3D printer.

According to http://www.vgcusa.org, the goal of the initiative is to create programs where students of all skill levels can find a common ground while playing educational games. The motto of the program is "Making the Socially Awkward, Socially Active Every Day."

"We did use some of the concepts from that grant to start our own program on Mondays called Monday Meetups, where we do different STEM activities," Kehoe stated. "The whole point is not the STEM so much, but the social and emotional learning and learning how to cooperate, take turns (and learning) appropriate ways to show disappointment and excitement."

The Monday Meetup program takes place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and is open to youths ages 7 to 11. The program on April 14 will feature board games. Registration for Monday Meetups is required on the events calendar at http://www.atglenpubliclibrary.org 

In time, APL plans to allow patrons to bring a file to the library and have it printed out on the 3D printer. "We are having the demo days to show people what we have," said Kehoe. "The public will be able to come in with a thumb drive with their file on it and be able to print. There is a formula for figuring how much to charge for the filament."

She added that 3D printers are used in many professions. For example, architects are able to create renditions of buildings, and in the medical field, people can create prosthetics. "With the 3D printer, there is no limit to what you can do," Kehoe said.

APL is located at 121 Main St., Atglen. For more information about library activities, visit the previously mentioned website or http://www.facebook.com/AtglenPublicLibrary. Those with questions may contact Kehoe at rkehoe@ccls.org or 610-593-6848.