Toledo Lucas County Public Library is creating face shield supplies for the protection of area medical workers. The Library’s 3D printers have produced parts for dozens of individual shields, with many more on the way.

With its extensive resources, the Library builds the plastic visor and earpiece portion. It then provides these components to Dana Inc., which manufactures the clear covering and assembles the finished product. ProMedica ultimately sanitizes the equipment and issues it to medical care providers throughout the entire region.

These 3D printers have built pieces for 40 face shields in less than a week. Library leaders are proud of this ongoing contribution during the coronavirus epidemic, said Rebecca Ransberger, Studio Lab supervisor.

“Our medical workers are bravely working so hard for our community right now, and we want to support them in any way we can,” Ransberger said. “The Library always adapts to serve the community, especially in these uncertain times.”

The donations from this project with Dana, started with prototyping the shields with Promedica to ensure effectiveness, efficiency and comfort. Since then, the project has grown with many community groups, schools and libraries printing which has allowed for the face shields to be donated to numerous local hospitals and medical organizations throughout the area.

The Library assembled its 10 3D printers into one location at Main Library. This allows for efficient work to benefit local medical professionals. The devices are regularly stationed for customer use at Main Library and Heatherdowns, King Road, South, Sylvania, Waterville Branch and West Toledo Branches. A team effort of the information technology and facilities and operations staffs immediately relocated them.

Ransberger said she was grateful Dana entrusted the Library and other providers with this important request. Library leaders previously discussed how best they could use the 3D printers, and Dana provided a system file to start creating right away. The Library as a local organization can quickly make any changes as needed.

“I feel very lucky to work for a Library that is forward-thinking about technology and access. That commitment allows us to hit the ground running with our 3D printers and rapidly produce these pieces,” Ransberger said.

For individuals with 3D printers that would also like to participate, the files for the face shields can be found at https://www.dana.com/cares/. 3D printed pieces placed in a ziploc bag can then be donated at the outdoor book drop at Toledo Lucas County Public Library’s Main Library located at 325 N Michigan Street, Toledo, OH. These face shields will then be distributed to local area medical facilities. For additional questions on how to contribute please contact making@toledolibrary.org.