While the 3D printing revolution has not reached everyone’s homes in Geauga County, a partnership between the Geauga County Public Library and Chardon Schools brings members of the community in touch with cutting-edge technology at the new Chardon Creativity Center makerspace.
While the 3D printing revolution has not reached everyone’s homes in Geauga County, a partnership between the Geauga County Public Library and Chardon Schools brings members of the community in touch with cutting-edge technology at the new Chardon Creativity Center makerspace.
The center, located on the east side of Chardon High School and open to the public weekdays from 4-8 p.m., has equipment ranging from vinyl, ultraviolet, direct-to-garment and 3D printers to a 3D scanner, a broadcasting equipment, a CNC machine and a laser cutter.
“This important endeavor with GCPL underscores one of our core beliefs — community connections build stronger schools,” Chardon Schools Assistant Superintendent Ed Klein said, adding the C3 makerspace aligns with the district’s success plan and will provide opportunities for creating, collaborating, critical thinking and continuous learning.
The center will be operated by the school system during the school day for student and staff use, and by GCPL after-hours for library patrons.
GCPL operates another makerspace at its Bainbridge branch, which is open during normal library operating hours. The Bainbridge makerspace is open to walk-in users, but GCPL currently requires registration for use of the Chardon makerspace.
A soft opening Oct. 21 offered the public tours of the space, as well as demonstrations of the space’s new 3D printers, laser engraver, direct-to-garment printer, large format printer/cutter and CNC machine.
“Using the equipment is free,” GCPL said on its website. “You will need to bring in your own materials such as T-shirts, paper, Cricut vinyl, wood, glass, etc. You will only have to pay for ink, large vinyl, embroidery thread and 3D printer filament.”
GCPL said every machine carries a $1 minimum charge and patrons can check out the price list posted in the makerspaces for more information.
To use GCPL machines in either space, patrons must have a valid GCPL/CLEVNET library card and take mandatory training for the equipment. Users must sign an agreement before reserving a self-serve session and registration for sessions are available online at geaugalibrary.net/inspiration-station, or by emailing makerspace@geaugalibrary.net.
In a social media post Oct. 23, the district said GCPL worked with Chardon Schools’ Business Affairs Department, headed by Assistant Superintendent Steve Kofol, and district administrative staff have worked all year to prepare the C3 space for use by students, as well as the public.
“We believe community connections build stronger schools and are excited to see the C3 coming to fruition,” the district said.
