Cd’A library printing 3D masks for health care

Just because the Coeur d’Alene Public Library is closed doesn’t mean its 3D printers are getting a break.

At the request of Kootenai Health, the 3D printers owned by the library are being used to create masks that may protect health care workers. The masks will also be provided to city of Coeur d’Alene first responders and other city workers.

Due to the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, the Coeur d’Alene and Lake City public libraries are closed and most of the library staff have been sent home following the order by Gov. Brad Little.

Library Director Bette Ammon said Friday that some individual staff members are going to the library to complete projects to serve patrons online and to keep the community informed about these services.

“While these employees are in the building, it makes sense for them to devote part of their time to this project, too,” she said, noting that now all of the library’s 3D printers have been taken home by a staff member who is working from his garage to make the masks.

It takes about four hours for the two-part masks to be printed. The 3D printers use spools of plastic string filament, similar to those used by weed trimmers, that feed into computer-guided nozzles that lay down layers of plastic to form the object.

About 35 of the masks have been produced so far, Ammon said.

The printers were purchased by grants, and the library, with help from the Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation, is purchasing the inexpensive filament. Kootenai Health is not being charged for the masks.