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FORT SCOTT - The Fort Scott Public Library is adding equipment and programs for children and adults, including a 3D printer that will soon be available for patron use. The printer has dual extruders, which allow it to use more than one material at a time.
Staff members are learning to operate the machine, and it should be open to the public, with staff assistance, by early fall. The process will be simple and accessible to every community member, library staff said.
Patrons will design a print in a program such as Tinkercad, then transfer the file to software available at the library to begin printing. Prices have not been set, but cost will be based on the amount of filament used, since some filaments, such as glitter, are more expensive than others.
The library also has a 40-watt laser cutter that cuts and engraves faster and deeper than the printer alone. Because staff must remove the extruders to install the laser, it will be available about one week a month.
The library has purchased a smaller laser made for engraving wood, metal or acrylic. A sewing machine will also be available for patron use by early fall.
"The whole point of libraries was information, and processing the information, and being able to store information," library director Jennifer Gum-Fowler said.
Gum-Fowler said the developing makerspace is meant to give the community exposure to new technologies and help residents process new information.
In September, the library will begin receiving short films from independent filmmakers around the world and will host an adult program screening films of about 20 minutes. Several adult programs are already open to anyone: the Fort Scott Writers Club, the Fort Scott Stamp Club, BYObook Club with Jennifer and Golden Aces, which is limited to patrons 55 and older.
Mackenzie Kaemmer, youth services specialist and supervisor, said several changes are coming for children and teens. This year's summer reading program had a dinosaur theme and included a celebration of the nation's 250th anniversary, during which children made star suncatchers.
Kaemmer called the program a success and pointed to the dinosaur books on display.
"Every time I went to find a book on the shelf for our next story they were all gone, which made my heart so happy ... because they were checking them out and wanted to read them," she said.
The program also teaches children how to behave in public and how to move from one focus to another, Kaemmer said. Next summer's theme will be announced later this year.
Kaemmer said new sensory toys are available for children to use in the library, and a few can be borrowed for up to two weeks. Sensory toys help children practice fine motor skills and can benefit those with sensory issues.
Plans for the children's area include new soft and hard play toys and a bright mural on one wall.
"It will be somewhere they want to stay and feel safe to hang out and just be," Kaemmer said.
The teen space will get an Xbox, a PlayStation and TVs, along with a study area open to all teens. Kaemmer said the goal is to give every visitor, alone or with family, something to do.
After the remodeling and the makerspace are finished, Kaemmer will turn to new children's and teen programs. Children's storytime will resume at 10:15 a.m. Tuesdays, with crafts and activities similar to those from summer reading but in a smaller setting.
Storytime includes a book, a related snack and a related craft. Older children may also take part in the crafts.
Kaemmer said she has several new topics and ideas planned for this year's storytime.
The library aims to create third spaces that families and other community members are welcome to use. It is at 201 S. National Ave. and is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Computers and other electronics are shut off 15 minutes before closing. Library staff can provide details on upcoming activities and changes.
