I recently met with Cordelia Anderson, the Communications Director for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, to see if I could find any interesting Charlotte Stories – I was overwhelmed to say the least.

Not only do they offer free audio books, free streaming movies, and free mobile hotspots for Charlotte residents – they even have several 3D printers anyone can use for free (just pay for the plastic – most items cost a couple dollars at most)!

Here’s my first 3d printing experience at the library (I printed #1, #2 and #5 from the list below);

A personalized 3d-printed gift makes a perfect small present! Here are the top 10 coolest things I found online that you can get 3D printed at the library.

(download the files, put them on a memory card, and bring them into the library):

(If you’re looking for a pre-made present, check out our Top 10 Best Things You Can Buy On Amazon For Under $5 list)

Impress your fellow executives with this stylish and functional business card case, available in two designs and two sizes (for U.S. and Europe). Each case holds around 10 cards, and comes with a printable “spring” to ensure the topmost card glides smoothly out of the slot. Cults3D Download.

Fully articulated plastic wrench, for general purpose, er, wrenching around the house. Thingiverse Download.

Brighten up the bathroom with this functional print of a classic Space Invader. Um, holding your toilet paper. YouMagine Download.

This is a fully assembled platform jack, 3D printed as one piece. No messing around with multiple parts. The adjustable height can be used to raise or prop up an object of reasonable weight. Thingiverse Download.

We spend a small fortune on our earphones for music on the move, but not enough on protecting them when not in use. Securely stash those buds in this 3D printed earbud holder. Thingiverse Download.

Houseplants dying from neglect? NEVER AGAIN. Print off this easy-peasy automatic plant waterer, and your conscience will remain clean. Particularly useful for kitchen herbs, where you can make them last up to a week longer by repotting in this natty device. Cults3D Download.

An elegant and discreet stand for the Macbook Pro Retina, with a geometric motif, that props up your notebook to the optimal viewing angle. Just add a keyboard and mouse, and schreibtischrückenschmerz is but a distant memory.Thingiverse Download.

Winter is coming. Or in some cases, it’s already here. Quickly and easily remove the snow and ice from your car windshield with this handy-dandy ice-scraper. It prints without supports, and has a hole for a cord-loop on the end.Thingiverse Download.

If you’re frequently carrying sensitive data on a USB thumb drive, then this DIY cryptex is a great solution to protect against theft. The drive is protected with a four lock combination. Consider encypting the data, too, for maximum security.Thingiverse Download.

Is bathing under a waterfall on your bucket list? The next best thing is this 3D printed shower head (probably). Thingiverse Download.

Check out thousands of other 3D printing designs here on Thingiverse.com.

The Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s Idea Box is open the following hours for 3D printing submissions:

Mondays: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Tuesdays: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wednesdays: 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Thursdays: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Please let us know what you create – and spread the word about Idea Box!

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