Bring a ready-to-print file and watch the magic of 3-D printing bring the file to life at Pierce County Library System’s 3-D Print Shop. The free print shop sessions are offered January through March at Pierce County Libraries, giving people the opportunity to use the 3-D printers to create items, get quick design lessons, and learn the 3-D printing process.
3-D printing has advanced significantly since it was first developed in 1983 and is reshaping manufacturing and unlocking the potential for anyone to create. In the classes people can explore 3-D printing and get started with pre-designed files to create tools, toys and robot parts.
Since the Library System launched these classes at Gig Harbor Pierce County Library in 2014, the 3-D printers have been a community interest and an opportunity for education, furthering the Library System’s focus on learning for its communities. The printers and items made using 3-D printing – including a replica of the Star Wars’ droid R2D2 – were some of the most popular exhibits at Pierce County Library’s MakerFest event this fall.
See the schedule of 3-D Print Shop sessions below.
• Steilacoom Pierce County Library, 2950 Steilacoom Blvd., Steilacoom
Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 1 to 7 p.m.
• South Hill Pierce County Library, 15420 Meridian E., Puyallup
Tuesday, Jan. 23 from 2 to 8 p.m.
• Bonney Lake Pierce County Library, 18501 90th St. E., Bonney Lake
Monday, Jan. 29 from 2 to 8 p.m.
• Milton/Edgewood Pierce County Library, 900 Meridian E., Suite 29, Milton
Tuesday, Feb. 6 from noon to 6 p.m.
• Summit Pierce County Library, 5107 112th St. E. Tacoma
Monday, Feb. 12 from 1 to 7 p.m.
• Administrative Center Pierce County Library, 3005 112th St. E. Tacoma
Friday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Gig Harbor Pierce County Library, 4424 Point Fosdick Drive N.W., Gig Harbor
Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 2 to 8 p.m.
• Lakewood Pierce County Library, 6300 Wildaire Road S.W., Lakewood
Friday, Feb. 23 from 2 to 8 p.m.
• Tillicum Pierce County Library, 14916 Washington Ave. S.W., Lakewood
Tuesday, Feb. 27 from 1 to 7 p.m.
• Fife Pierce County Library, 6622 20th St. E., Fife
Tuesday, March 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Orting Pierce County Library, 202 Washington Ave. S., Orting
Thursday, March 8 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• University Place Pierce County Library, 3609 Market Place W., Suite 100, University Place
Monday, March 12 from 1 to 7 p.m.
• Sumner Pierce County Library, 1116 Fryar Ave., Sumner
Thursday, March 15 from 1 to 7 p.m.
• Graham Pierce County Library, 9202 224th St. E., Graham
Monday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Parkland/Spanaway Pierce County Library, 13718 Pacific Ave. S., Tacoma
Friday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Buckley Pierce County Library, 123 S. River Ave., Buckley
Tuesday, March 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Eatonville Pierce County Library, 205 Center St. W., Eatonville
Saturday, March 31 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
About Pierce County Library System
The nationally acclaimed Pierce County Library System serves 600,000 people throughout Pierce County with 20 libraries and online services.The system is the fourth largest in the state and is funded primarily through property taxes. People may choose from more than 1.5 million books, movies and other materials, as well as nearly half a million online/downloadable materials. Pierce County Library is committed to directing services in three primary areas: learning, enjoyment and community connection. Its services and programs spark success for Pierce County residents. More than 2 million people visit Pierce County Libraries each year. The Library provides services and programs directly to people in adult care facilities or who are homebound, and to children in child care centers and schools. Pierce County Libraries are located at Anderson Island, Bonney Lake, Buckley, DuPont, Eatonville, Fife, Gig Harbor, Graham, Key Center, Lakewood, Milton/Edgewood, Orting, Parkland/Spanaway, Pierce County Library Administrative Center, South Hill, Steilacoom, Summit, Sumner, Tillicum and University Place. Pierce County Library is an independent municipal corporation and operates as a junior taxing district.
