A while back, we put out on our reference desk a glass jar out with a sign on it inviting people to drop off used button cell batteries. It worked great, but the glass wanted to slide all over the desk’s granite surface and we were worried the jar might fall off and break.
One of my coworkers assessed the problem, disappeared into the makerspace, and a couple hours later came back with this beautiful coaster she had printed using one of the 3-D printers. It has rubber feet, so the coaster—and the jar—stay put!
This incredibly handy object was made on purpose, but there are lots of things we use in our everyday lives that were invented by accident, which is the theme of this month’s crossword. We hope you enjoy it.