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Mountain View Library staff unveil pop‑up maker programming with 3D printers and Cricut machines
Summary
Library staff told trustees they have secured equipment through a Pacific Library Partnership grant and plan pop‑up maker programs this summer, with staff training underway and policies to limit copyrighted or dangerous prints; the program focuses on education rather than print‑for‑hire services.
Library staff on May 18 told the Board of Library Trustees they have purchased maker‑space equipment with a Pacific Library Partnership grant and plan to offer pop‑up maker programming at Mountain View facilities.
Charles Mosner, adult services librarian, told trustees the library received the grant this fiscal year and has taken delivery of a set of devices that staff plan to use for both adult and youth programming. "We have several bamboo mini 3 d printers. We have Cricut cutting machines. We have 3 d pens, microbits, snap circuits. We have a 3 d scanner," Mosner said, listing the devices staff intend to incorporate into classes and drop‑in maker time.
Why it matters: the library said the maker programming is intended to meet community and city strategic goals by offering skills development, prototyping opportunities and hands‑on STEM learning. Staff emphasized the model will be "pop‑up"—using shared rooms rather than a dedicated makerspace—so equipment must be portable and accessible during other library uses.
Berkeley Skartovich, a library assistant who led equipment demonstrations, showed a small 3‑D print starting and described workflow and materials. "This printer melts plastic and adds it up layer by layer until you get a replica of the design," Skartovich said, and noted the library has purchased PLA filament, a bioplastic commonly used for consumer 3D printers.
Staff said they are training both adult and youth staff on machine operation and maintenance before launching separate adult and youth programs. Mosner said the library plans structured introductory classes for adults on 3‑D printing and Cricut use, as well as open maker times for drop‑in projects.
On policy and access, trustees asked how the library will handle user‑provided design files and copyrighted or potentially dangerous prints. Mosner said staff are still finalizing policy guidelines and expect to prohibit printing weapons and other unsafe items. He also said the library will likely set limits on filament and machine time and "provide a certain amount for free as part of this program," while referring larger or more technical paid jobs to academic facilities.
Trustees asked about past technology that fell into disuse; staff responded that current consumer printers are more reliable and that ongoing staff training and maintenance are part of the program rollout. "These printers, I would say, in my opinion, are very reliable," Skartovich said, adding their team will continue maintenance training.
What’s next: staff will complete training through the summer, finalize usage and safety policies, and begin offering the first maker classes and open sessions thereafter. The board received the presentation and samples produced during the demonstration.
