Hutchinson Library Certifies Users on Makerspace 3D Printers

The Hutchinson Public Library Makerspace ran a 3D Printing Certification workshop on January 6, 2026, designed to equip community members with the skills to operate the library’s 3D printing equipment. Attendees who completed the hands-on training received certification that authorizes them to use the Makerspace printers without staff supervision and each participant produced a small 3D printed object during the session.

Organizers set clear prerequisites to ensure participants could follow the technical instruction: basic computer and reading skills and a current library card. The workshop was offered free of charge, but seats were limited; the Makerspace was closed to other activities for the duration of the class to provide uninterrupted instruction and machine access. The event page listed the session time for registered attendees.

The practical value of the certification is immediate. Certification removes a common barrier for local makers, students, and small-scale creators by granting authorized access to lab-grade printers and reducing the need for scheduled staff assistance. Producing a finished print during the workshop gives attendees a tangible result and a replicable workflow to follow at home or in subsequent sessions, from preparing files to loading filament and initiating prints.

Community relevance extends beyond individual skill development. By requiring a current library card, the program draws regular patrons into the library’s broader services and helps the Makerspace manage equipment use and safety. Closing the space during instruction prioritizes learning and protects costly hardware from inexperienced handling, while seat limits keep class sizes manageable for hands-on coaching.

For readers interested in similar training, the model used by Hutchinson shows what to expect from a public makerspace certification: basic digital literacy prerequisites, a supervised hands-on project, limited class size, and formal authorization to use printers afterward. The certification can shorten project timelines for those who rely on the library’s equipment and expands who in the community can move from idea to finished object. Check with the Hutchinson Public Library for future sessions and requirements if you want to pursue certification or bring a small print project to the Makerspace.