Participants in Weekend Whimsy program design checkers pieces at Jaffrey Public Library
Moira Walsh creates a design for her black checkers pieces. COURTESY PHOTO
Katteri and Amanda LeBlanc work together to design checkers pieces. COURTESY PHOTO —
Jack Mitchell designs checkers pieces with animals instead of stars and crowns. COURTESY PHOTO —
Quinn Walsh displays his design of a checkers piece. COURTESY PHOTO
Annie, Ryan and Will Sprague work together to design checkers pieces. COURTESY PHOTO—
| Published: 03-11-2025 11:05 AM |
In 2024, Jaffrey Public Library welcomed a new member to its team – “Gertrude.”
Gertrude isn’t a library assistant, though. She’s a 3D printer, named by the library staff. Purchased with assistance from a STEAM Learning Grant from MilliporeSigma, the printer has double extruders that allow for two-color printing.
The printer isn’t for public use, but is used for educational programming at the library, according to Director Julie Perrin.
“We offer classes and workshops throughout the year, geared to different age groups,” Perrin explained. “Most programs are themed such as 3D printed jewelry or fidget toys or key chains, as the purpose is to introduce basic CAD design and the concept of 3D printing and additive technology.”
The library has been finding ways to encourage the public to engage with Gertrude, and learn how to use the technology. One such way was this past weekend’s Weekend Whimsy project. Weekend Whimsy is a monthly program at the Jaffrey Public Library, which gives families a chance to unwind and bond over a project, appropriate for all ages.
“This particular program was for families to learn together,” Perrin said.
This month, the Weekend Whimsy project was teaching the basics of 3D printing by helping families design their own sets of checkers pieces. Six families participated in the class, where they used the library’s Chromebooks to help design their checkers, with any design they liked on the face.
The participants in the event will have their personally designed checkers printed out at no cost to them in the next few weeks, and will get the chance to pick them up and take them home to add to their own personal game rooms.
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The next Weekend Whimsy is scheduled for April 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Families will be making seed bombs, balls of seeds that contain native wildflower seeds that can be scattered in yards or other landscapes. Registration is required due to limited supplies. Registration for the April Weekend Whimsy opens on 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 15, on the library’s website.
Other upcoming events at the library include “Technology Blues,” on Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Recommended for ages 55 or older, the session explains a glossary of technology terms, demonstrations of browsers and search engines and a discussion of digital storage options. Also on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. is “Science Matters,” an adult book club with science included as a topic for both fiction and nonfiction. This month’s book is “Artemis,” by Andy Weir.
Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172, Ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.
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