Hello Michigan library colleagues, The Guild of Library Makers (GoLM) is launching a pilot program called the GoLM Assistive Print Network (APN). It gives library patrons across Michigan free 3D-printed assistive devices, such as bottle openers, button helpers, reading bars, and signature guides. We are inviting every Michigan library to enroll, and we would love for yours to be part of it. Why we are doing this Small, inexpensive tools can make everyday tasks much easier for people with limited hand strength or dexterity. Most libraries do not have a 3D printer or the staff time to make them. This program lets any library offer these devices to patrons at no cost and with very little staff effort. How it works for your library You do not need a 3D printer. When a patron wants a device, they choose one from our Device Catalog of 17 devices. Your staff submits the request to GoLM, and we route it to a Print Library. Novi Public Library is simply our pilot Print Library, and we chose to work with just one during the pilot to keep things simple. Novi prints the device and ships it to your library through RIDES. When it arrives, you notify the patron for pickup, just like an interlibrary loan hold. Every Access Library receives a full physical set of the devices in the catalog to show patrons. The Device Catalog itself is digital, and we recommend printing it at your library and keeping it next to the physical set so patrons can browse. Patrons can request one device per month. There is no fee for your library or your patrons. Interested in becoming a Print Library? Novi is our only Print Library during the pilot, but it will not be the only one forever. If your library has a 3D printer and would like to print for the network after the pilot, you can register as a Post-Pilot Print Library. You do not have to choose between the two roles. You can register as a Post-Pilot Print Library and also join as an Access Library right now, so your patrons can use the program during the pilot while you wait for Print Library enrollment to open. We will notify you when it does. How to enroll Fill out the Library Enrollment Form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScC831vBl4OclfOn0x93DJ756hHruPxQEXX... It takes just a few minutes. We will confirm your enrollment within 5 business days and send you a digital link to the APN folder, which holds all of your documents, including a staff guide, a patron handout, and the Device Catalog. We will also schedule a 1-on-1 introduction call with you to make sure we are all on the same page. Your feedback matters This is a pilot, so we need as much feedback as possible to make the program work for libraries across the state. Tell us what works and what does not, and we will keep improving it. Questions? Email guildoflibrarymakers@gmail.com. You can also learn more at guildoflibrarymakers.com. Thank you for all you do for your patrons and communities. Matt Grayvin Executive Director, The Guild of Library Makers guildoflibrarymakers@gmail.com | guildoflibrarymakers.com