Broward County Library’s "Creation Station" is equipped with state-of-the-art 3D printers and is uniquely positioned to assist families who are unable to afford prostheses. Maximizing the use of free open source-template provided by eNable, BCL staff have developed prosthetic hands for youth. These goodwill-inspiring efforts help BCL to build a bridge with our international neighbors in South and Central America while making a meaningful difference in the life of a child who is differently abled.

BCL’s "Creation Station" is one way that the library can realize a global impact, capitalizing on 3D technology to reach farther than the typical library jurisdiction. Library staff communicated through email to ensure the prosthetic hand’s specifications were accurate. It was hand-painted with a Captain America theme, as per the child’s request, and provided it free to the family. It was an opportunity for the Library to significantly impact a boy’s life at minimal cost.

The first measure of this project’s impact was the functionality of the hand, and its ability to be used successfully in day-to-day activities. The second was a moving thank-you video from the boy to the Creation Station staff. While libraries consistently affect lives in their communities, the ability to positively alter the life of a child thousands of miles away speaks of the global influence one library.