Presidio library's new 3-D printer used to make pencil holder for special needs student

March 3rd, 2016 under Home Story Highlight » Top Stories

(photos by SASHA
von OLDERSHAUSEN)
Carmen Elguezabal holds a pencil holder, designed by a library volunteer for a special needs student, that was realized through use of the library's new 3D printer.

By SASHA von OLDERSHAUSEN

PRESIDIO – Presidio's not exactly the first place you think of when you think about the cutting edge of technology. But now, thanks to a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, and the efforts of city library director Carmen Elguezabal, the City of Presidio Library can say it has its very own 3-D printer.

In addition to Presidio, the PolyPrinter 229 – which has a retail value of $2,895 – was given to public libraries in Alpine, Fort Davis, Fort Stockton, Marathon, Marfa and Midland through the grant.

What's more—it's available to anyone within the community who wants to use it. "I am very excited about the new possibilities," said Elguezabal.

It's already been put to good use. In fact, library volunteer Ian Dolan used the printer to design and create a pencil holder for fifth-grade special needs student Ninel Cataño, who struggled to hold a pencil while she was writing.

It is a simple design – the pencil holder attaches to the pencil, while also providing an encasement through which Cataño could fit her fingers and keep them in place while she writes – but the impact is significant.

"The idea for the 3-D pencil holder came about during a conversation with Mr. Paul Carrillo, fifth-grade elementary school teacher, who mentioned the need to assist a student with her writing," Elguezabal said. "Our first project to practice using the 3-D pencil holder was a success in being able to assist a student with special needs."

She added, "We were able to help one student and that's a great accomplishment."

Elguezabal has purchased a number of 3-D printing guides, available for students and members of the community to utilize as they learn how to design their own models.

"We can show them how to download a file so they can create their own," she said. "You can create anything—even money."

Elguezabal plans to host a number of hands-on school workshops so that students can see firsthand what the printer is capable of doing. For anyone else interested in trying their hand at it, the printer is available for use in her office, located within the public library.