The Orillia Public Library may be closed to visitors, but its equipment is being put to good use to help front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Daniel Caschera, emerging technologies librarian, is using the library’s 3D printer to create visors and reinforcement components for face masks, as well as mask extenders. The extenders will go directly to Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH).
When the library was shut down, Caschera took the 3D printer home with him. Shortly after, he learned of The Canadian Shield, an initiative by InkSmith in Kitchener that is accepting donations of personal protective equipment that are being distributed to hospitals, pharmacists and others on the front lines.
“It just made sense,” Caschera said. “We wanted to make a contribution and I had the full support of the library.”
The visors and reinforcement pieces he is creating are being mailed to InkSmith, which sanitizes them before assembling and distributing them.
Caschera was able to download the Health Canada-approved designs from The Canadian Shield website. He started printing the components about three weeks ago and has created more than 200 pieces so far.
“I saw in the news that there was a shortage of masks and other necessary equipment,” he said. “We had the (printer) and we had the material.”
The library has given him the OK to purchase more filament as needed.
Last week, OSMH reached out to the library to ask it to print mask extenders, which help take the strain off the ears of those who wear the masks. Caschera has created about 80 extenders and will deliver the first load of them to an OSMH staff member by the end of the week, when he hopes to have 150 ready.
“I’ll keep it going as long as there’s a need for it,” he said.
The 3D printer was becoming increasingly popular with library visitors because “it’s a technology that is unlimited,” Caschera said.
“You’re only limited by your imagination.”
Speaking of imagination, Caschera “never imagined that it would become an integral part of the health-care strategy.”
“I’m a big 3D printer enthusiast, so to see it have such a practical use that can help the community is great,” he said.
Any business or individual that has a 3D printer and wants to help can email [email protected].
“To see everybody stepping up to help is really inspiring,” Caschera said.
To learn more about The Canadian Shield, click here.
