Olathe Indian Creek Library — Attraction in Olathe

The Indian Creek public library in Olathe has an amazing maker space. I've known about it for awhile, but had been doing most of my stuff at home. However, a recent project made me reach out to them. I've been trying to model a trim ring for my deck. While I've successfully done so for the lower ring, the upper ring is much more complex: it looks a bit like a bread slice. I had been working in Fusion 360 and was close, but I wasn't satisfied.

I checked the website for the library, and no 3D scanner was mentioned. My use would be far too light to get one for myself, even the cheapest. I called them, just on the off chance they might have one.

First, I have to say that these people were incredibly helpful and kind. They had just gotten a 3D scanner, but wasn't using it with the public very much yet until they fully understood it themselves.

Since my part was small, they were willing to scan it and see how it went. I brought it in, and they set it up. What a scanner! It was 2022 EinScan Pro HD - about an $8,000 scanner. It had an automated turntable. After a few tries, everything was hooked up and they scanned it. They placed the part on its back, on its front, then on its side. The software interpolated all the views and created an extremely detailed model, down to the injection dimples in the plastic.

While I was there, the folks working there, as well as other people using the space were friendly, interesting AND interested, and we shared tips and lessons learned. All were clearly enthusiasts and enjoyed working through the projects.

Then we exported the file to an STL file and put it on a flash drive. I went home and pulled it in, but the file was damaged. I called them back and asked them if they still had the file. The person serving the maker space went to find the laptop and see if the file was still there (that alone impressed me). It wasn't there, so I figured I'd go back and scan again this weekend. About 10 minutes later she called me back - she had kept looking and found the file!

Then she offered to email it to me. It was too big for email, so she put it on a Google drive and emailed me the link. That file was terrific.

It's not often you get people that are clearly glad to help, that you truly feel are on your side, and are willing to go the extra mile. Frankly, while the folks at the library are very nice and helpful, I wasn't expecting that incredible level of kindness and above-and-beyond support. I was wow'ed, and I plan to go back there, more for the advice and expertise of the others doing the same thing. I may want to try their resin printers as well.

The library has expanded its maker space since I was last there. Besides at least a half-dozen 3D FDM printers, they have a couple of resin printers, and they only charge 15 cents an ounce of use. They allow mail-in projects that they put on the printer for you, and you can then pick up the print. They also have a CNC machine, laser engraver, and much more for other enthusiasts, such as sewing, die-cutting, etc.

I just thought I'd share this, both to thank Lydia, Suzie, and Tyler- as well as the rest of the staff at the Olathe Public Library, and to encourage folks to go by and see. REALLY...

Love the library and love the staff. Can't wait until they are able to completely reopen!

This is an updated review

Let me start by saying it is no longer a comforting family-friendly environment!!! It does not promote the love of learning. We no longer go to the library as often as we used to and one of my girls has been turned off of reading partially due to the unfriendliness she feels at the library.We used to go and stay for maybe an hour maybe longer my girls loved going. They would even ask if we could go they loved exploring

The staff knew who we were and they were always there to help thereWe felt like we were part of a family.they knew who we were and they were so welcoming if we had questions to ask or wanted suggestions they were happy to help. We've been going to the Indian Creek library for the last 15 years usually 3 or 4 days a week. We now go maybe once a week but it is not a welcoming place where we used to spend a lot of time we now get in and out as quickly as possible. This is definitely not the same library. The staff changes all the time they make you feel like you're putting them out if you have a question. They act like they have no time to help and usually they are just sitting there doing nothing except chatting with each other. If they don't know they don't bother trying to find the answer it's just figure it out on your own. Something that used to be a joy for me and my girls to do together is now just another thing to get done. One of my girls has even been turned off to reading. As much as I hate to quit going I guess we're going to have ton see what the Johnson county libraries are like. They hopefully are much better than the Olathe libraries. What a huge huge waste of...

I had multiple fees that happened during Covid on my account and when I called up there to talk about it, even apologizing and see how they could work with me they went on about the importance of resources. How do you find resources so important when most the money goes into maintaining a fireplace in the wall and a cafe in the lobby? Yet you can bill us outrageously for fines when most the amenities in the building was built on tax payer dime. I would understand if it were the central library but this is literally a library with a cafe who purposefully charges people extra late fees to upkeep their outrageously extra lifestyle. The way the employer worded it “it sounds like you just want us to eat the cost” yeah.. it happened during Covid when EVERYONE was getting their feet kicked and your patrons. literally get to sip ventis while they read I think you can “eat” the cost. If you’re going to fine people extra please make it easier for forgiveness and give back more to the people who fund your amenities.. not take away. I do appreciate that the fee was waved but the attitude I received over the phone was NOT needed over graphic novels… even center library agreed. Olathe library late fees are ridiculous. Don’t frequent this library unless...