Kids Are Learning 3D Design In the WPL Make IT Place

The Washington Free Public Library has officially launched our brand-new 3D Print Club, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with our community! This club is designed to introduce kids and teens to digital design, basic engineering ideas, and hands-on technology in a fun, creative way.

Each week, we dive into Tinkercad, an easy-to-use online 3D modeling program. We start with the basics — building shapes, designing simple objects, and learning how to turn their ideas into real, printable files. For many of our students, this is their very first experience with design software, and it’s amazing to watch how quickly they catch on.

The interest has grown faster than I ever expected. Kids love seeing something they imagined on a screen turn into a real object right in front of them. Every session includes a new challenge — key chains, ornaments, and figurines.

Beyond the fun, this club gives kids the chance to build real skills in critical thinking, measurement, problem-solving, and STEM concepts. They also learn how to collaborate, share ideas, and help each other — something that’s just as important as the tech piece.

We will be offering this club again in February! If you’d like more information, reach out to us at the Washington Free Public Library or visit our website. I can’t wait to see what our young creators come up with next!