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3D Printing Resource Guide

So you want to 3D print! Here are some classes, articles, and web pages to help you get started.

For questions about 3D printing at LCPL's Libratory, see our Libratory page.

Books

Click the titles to reserve.

Getting Started with 3D Printing
Liza Wallach Kloski; Maker Media, 2016.

Includes information on how to use 3D modeling software and tips for fixing your 3D designs.

3D Printer Projects for Makerspaces
Lydia Sloane Cline; McGraw-Hill Education, 2017.

Goes over general information about 3D printing and includes several 3D printing projects.

3D Printing
Cameron Coward; Alpha, a member of Penguin Group (USA), Inc., 2015.

Includes information about what 3D printings is, tips for fixing your 3D designs, and projects to practice with.

LinkedIn Learning Online Courses

LinkedIn Learning is free with your Full Access/Digital Access LCPL card.

Additive Manufacturing: Troubleshoot 3D Prints
Rich Cameron & Joan Horvath, 2021

Goes over common mistakes with 3D printing and how to fix them

Learning Tinkercad
Kacie Hultgren, 2020

A video tutorial on how to use Tinkercad

Desigining a Replacement Part Using 3D Printing
Kacie Hultgren, 2014

Explains how to make a replacement part using 3D printing

Learning 3D Printing
Kacie Hultgren, 2021

Includes information on what 3D printing is, how to create a 3D design for printing, and more.

Articles & Webpages

Top 10 Tips
Anna Kaziunas France; Make: Community, 2013

An overview of some tips for creating 3D designs for printing

Ultimate 3D Printing Materials Guide
Simplify3D

Sortable guide covering many popular 3D printing materials

How to Use Support Material, Part 1
Scott Cahoon; Matter Hackers, 2016

Describes why you might need support structures and how to choose which type will work best.

Upcoming Events
Wed, Jan 29, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Wed, Jan 29, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and enjoy the conversation! All crafts are welcome!

Wed, Jan 29, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and... more
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and more! No registration required.

Wed, Jan 29, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on!

Wed, Jan 29, 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming tournaments, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night... more
Teens are welcome to join us for an evening of gaming tournaments, board games, and puzzles! Test your skills and get ready for a night of great vibes and unforgettable moments!

Wed, Jan 29, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Staff Meeting Room
Walk through the process of creating your own simple game using GameMaker's 15 minute tutorial.

Wed, Jan 29, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens (ages 10 to 15) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art supplies along with a craft on hand if you... more
Teens (ages 10 to 15) are invited to watch episodes from an anime series. We'll also have art supplies along with a craft on hand if you want to draw, sketch, or get creative. Snacks will be provided.
This event is full

Thu, Jan 30, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.

Thu, Jan 30, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Jan 30, 11:15am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "I Have Some Questions for You" by Rebecca Makkai. Books for this discussion can... more
The Between the Lines book discussion group will read "I Have Some Questions for You" by Rebecca Makkai. Books for this discussion can be picked up at the Dyer-Schererville branch.

Thu, Jan 30, 1:00pm - 2:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This four-part series will help participants improve their heart health! Topics include: Know Your Risks, Know Your Numbers, Heart... more
This four-part series will help participants improve their heart health! Topics include: Know Your Risks, Know Your Numbers, Heart Healthy Eating, and Take Action. Registration Required.

Thu, Jan 30, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room A,Merrillville Zoom Room
Learn how to create and execute successful searches using Ancestry Library Edition.

Thu, Jan 30, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Teens (ages 12-18), begin your journey as tea master as you create your own tea blend of choice! You decide what to make, but do your... more
Teens (ages 12-18), begin your journey as tea master as you create your own tea blend of choice! You decide what to make, but do your best - other participants will taste-test at the end!

Thu, Jan 30, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Thu, Jan 30, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call... more
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Fri, Jan 31, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Purdue Extension Lake County, in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, will be offering 4 lessons on how you can "Be Heart... more
Purdue Extension Lake County, in partnership with the Lake County Health Department, will be offering 4 lessons on how you can "Be Heart Smart". Registration is required for all sessions.
Registration is now closed

Sat, Feb 01, 9:30am - 12:30pm
Hobart - Programming Room
Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your... more
Adults and teens, please join us with your projects (knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, etc.) to chat and stitch! Bring your supplies, and other attendees can instruct on crochet as needed.

Sat, Feb 01, 10:00am - 11:00am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own... more
Each session includes a series of asanas (postures) & sequences of pranayam (breathing exercises) for good health. Please bring your own mat to class.

Sat, Feb 01, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
In this program participants will get the opportunity to read to a therapy dog. Ages 6-11. Registration is required.

Sat, Feb 01, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
An epic swashbuckler about the regal outlaw hero, Robin Hood, and his merry men of Sherwood Forest, who take on usurping traitor Prince... more
An epic swashbuckler about the regal outlaw hero, Robin Hood, and his merry men of Sherwood Forest, who take on usurping traitor Prince John and his mutinous minions. Runtime: 102 mins.

Mon, Feb 03, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Mon, Feb 03, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Mon, Feb 03, 2:00pm - 4:15pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Come and enjoy this afternoon movie with us! Popcorn and snacks will be served. Seating is limited. Registration is required.

Mon, Feb 03, 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an army of ghosts that casts a death chill upon NYC, Ghostbusters new and old must... more
When the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an army of ghosts that casts a death chill upon NYC, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect the world from a second Ice Age.

Mon, Feb 03, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be... more
Children (completed grades K-5) may free build with the library's LEGO® blocks or build a 'challenge' project. Constructions will be displayed in the library until the next LEGO® Club meeting.

Mon, Feb 03, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12.... more
Earn volunteer hours and help the St. John Branch create teen programs, displays, and more! Refreshments will be served. Grades 6-12. Please register.

Mon, Feb 03, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call... more
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Mon, Feb 03, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Large Meeting Room
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your... more
Are you a fan of anime or manga? If so, come to our monthly Teen Anime Club to find new anime to watch. We watch 3-4 episodes of your choosing each month. Ages 12-18.

Tue, Feb 04, 10:15am - 10:45am
Munster - Large Meeting Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Feb 04, 10:15am - 11:00am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Children will develop pre-reading skills as they enjoy stories, music, and a craft.

Tue, Feb 04, 10:30am - 11:00am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books,... more
Babies and toddlers, birth - 23 months of age, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy this program filled with rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Feb 04, 10:30am - 11:00am
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft.

Tue, Feb 04, 10:30am - 11:00am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early... more
Storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, with a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills. Please register all attending.
This event is full

Tue, Feb 04, 10:30am - 11:30am
St. John - Children's Program Room
Join us for this month's travel film about the Eiffel Tower. Light refreshments will be served. Please register.

Tue, Feb 04, 11:00am - 11:30am
Munster - Children's Program Room
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help... more
In this program babies and toddlers, accompanied by their caregivers, will enjoy rhymes, books, music, and movement designed to help early literacy skills.

Tue, Feb 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for... more
Join fellow baby and toddler caregivers after our storytime for a cup of coffee or tea and some conversation. Toys will be available for children to play. Storytime attendance is not required.

Tue, Feb 04, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an... more
During this storytime 4 and 5 year olds will hear stories and participate in music activities, rhymes, and other activities, with an emphasis on important early pre-reading skills.

Tue, Feb 04, 11:30am - 11:50am
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration is... more
In this program, toddlers and their adult caregivers will enjoy a storytime with books, rhymes, music, and a craft. Registration is required.

Tue, Feb 04, 12:00pm - 12:40pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Children, ages 2 to 4, are invited to join us to play with unique toys and socialize.

Tue, Feb 04, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
LCPL Virtual Branch - Public Virtual Mtg Rm 1
Join other readers for a livestream conversation with Sabrina Sholts about The Human Disease: How We Create Pandemics.

Tue, Feb 04, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.
This event is full

Wed, Feb 05, 10:30am - 11:30am
Merrillville - Meeting Room C
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more... more
Free citizenship classes to help prepare adults for the Citizenship test in Chicago at the USCIS. Call 219-769-3541 ext.337 for more information.

Wed, Feb 05, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Bring your current craft project and join in on the conversation!

Wed, Feb 05, 3:30pm - 4:30pm
St. John - Children's Program Room
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and... more
Kids in grades K-6 are welcome to hang out in the children's room after school. Activities may include Lego, art projects, movies, and more! No registration required.

Wed, Feb 05, 4:30pm - 6:30pm
Cedar Lake - Public Tables
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or... more
Join us and work on your crafts at the library! Bring yarn and a size H crochet hook or size 7 knitting needles and cotton yarn - or bring along a project you're already working on!

Wed, Feb 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
Teens will learn to make a love bug craft using pom poms, googly eyes, foam, and more! Ages 12-18. Registration required.

Wed, Feb 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Teens & Tweens (ages 10-15) will be taken on a Food Adventure. In February, we will focus on appetizers.To ensure there is enough... more
Teens & Tweens (ages 10-15) will be taken on a Food Adventure. In February, we will focus on appetizers.To ensure there is enough supplies and to address food allergies, registration is required.
This event is full

Wed, Feb 05, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the... more
Why should the kids get to have all the fun? Join us the 1st Wednesday of each month for adult Dungeons & Dragons and experience the adventure! Seats are limited, so registration is required.
This event is full

Wed, Feb 05, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
Children and their families are invited to create and play with LEGO® in an hour of free play and fun. Finished creations will be... more
Children and their families are invited to create and play with LEGO® in an hour of free play and fun. Finished creations will be displayed in the library for the rest of the month!

Thu, Feb 06, 10:15am - 10:45am
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Thu, Feb 06, 10:30am - 11:15am
Highland - Children's Programming Room
This storytime features stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids ages 4-6. Please register all... more
This storytime features stories, fingerplays, music, and a craft that promote pre-reading skills for kids ages 4-6. Please register all attending.
This event is full

Thu, Feb 06, 10:30am - 11:00am
Lake Station-New Chicago - Children's Program Room
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to... more
For this storytime babies and toddlers will participate in stories, nursery rhymes, finger plays, and music activities designed to enhance important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, Feb 06, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the... more
Like to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, or do any other craft? Every Thursday, bring and work on your own project while enjoying the company of others.

Thu, Feb 06, 10:30am - 12:30pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas... more
Bring any low-mess craft (e.g., knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, coloring, origami, jewelry-making) and enjoy meeting and sharing ideas with other crafters during this program.  

Thu, Feb 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Children's Programming Room
Elementary aged homeschool students are invited to join us for a unique art or STEM project each month.

Thu, Feb 06, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #2
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Feb 06, 11:00am - 11:30am
Hobart - Children's Program Room
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, and a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote... more
This is a storytime for children 2 & 3 years of age, and a caregiver, featuring stories, fingerplays, music and a craft, that promote early literacy skills.

Thu, Feb 06, 11:15am - 12:00pm
St. John - Large Meeting Room
This half hour lap-sit program uses songs and rhymes to foster language development.

Thu, Feb 06, 11:30am - 12:15pm
Cedar Lake - Children's Programming Room
Toddlers ages 2 and 3, accompanied by a caregiver, will participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help... more
Toddlers ages 2 and 3, accompanied by a caregiver, will participate in stories, finger plays, and music activities. Activities will help to develop important pre-literacy skills.

Thu, Feb 06, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hobart - Large Meeting Room
Come join the Lake County Solid Waste Management District and learn the art of paper quilling! All materials will be provided. Please... more
Come join the Lake County Solid Waste Management District and learn the art of paper quilling! All materials will be provided. Please register.

Thu, Feb 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Griffith-Calumet Twp - Meeting Room
Youth (ages 10-17) are invited to register and attend this event where we will be doing various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering... more
Youth (ages 10-17) are invited to register and attend this event where we will be doing various STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities.
This event is full

Thu, Feb 06, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Highland - Meeting Room A
Join the discussion of Holmes, Marple & Poe by James Patterson and Brian Sitts, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club... more
Join the discussion of Holmes, Marple & Poe by James Patterson and Brian Sitts, which is our Once Upon a Crime Mystery Book Club selection for February. Pick up a copy at the Highland Branch.

Thu, Feb 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Highland - Children's Programming Room
Children, in grades K-5, will make a heart-shaped bird feeder, and other simple feeders, to help our wild feathered friends survive... more
Children, in grades K-5, will make a heart-shaped bird feeder, and other simple feeders, to help our wild feathered friends survive during the height of winter.

Thu, Feb 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Merrillville - Small Group Room #3
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your... more
Are you having laptop, smartphone, or tablet issues? Book this one-hour session to receive individualized assistance with your technology problems. Patron must bring their device with them.

Thu, Feb 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hobart - Programming Room
We invite teens to explore and write poetry, collaborate with others, and perform your original works. Whether you're new to poetry or a... more
We invite teens to explore and write poetry, collaborate with others, and perform your original works. Whether you're new to poetry or a seasoned writer, come share your voice!

Thu, Feb 06, 4:30pm - 6:00pm
Merrillville - Children's Programming Room
Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th... more
Join us on our journey! This is a family friendly Dungeons and Dragons campaign for preteens. We will be using Heroes of Sol'an - 5th edition. New players are welcome.
This event is full

Thu, Feb 06, 5:30pm - 6:45pm
Dyer-Schererville - Meeting Room Whole (A & B)
Come by to make and package no-bake chocolate truffles. You can give them away as a gift or eat them yourself - we won't tell!

Thu, Feb 06, 6:00pm - 8:15pm
Munster - Large Meeting Room
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what... more
D&D comes to the Munster Branch Library! Join our campaign for Phandelver and Below: The Shattered Obelisk and get to the bottom of what is plaguing the town of Phandalin.
This event is full

Thu, Feb 06, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Merrillville - Meeting Room B,Meeting Room C,Meeting Room D
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call... more
English Classes for participants who are learning English as a second language. Different levels are available. Classes are free. Call 219-769-3541 ext. 337 for more information.

Thu, Feb 06, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Munster Branch Library - Munster's Children's Area
In this program, children will have the opportunity to read aloud to a Power Paws therapy dog and their volunteer.