San Anselmo, Fairfax Residents Can Now Use 3D Printer for Free

The following is a news release from the County of Marin:

3D printing has recently been dubbed the third industrial revolution, and now all Marin residents with a library card can get free, firsthand experience with the technology.

Thanks to $6,000 in donations from the Marin County Library Foundation and the Friends of the Marin City Library, the Marin County Free Library now offers public access to two 3D printers at its Marin City branch.

The library purchased the 3D printer to provide a chance for the community to explore and create with a new technology they may not otherwise have, said Community Library Specialist Diana Lopez.

“We want to provide programming that will help give our kids knowledge and skills that will expose them to new and emerging technologies and allow them to explore, imagine and innovate,” Lopez said.

Here’s how it will work:

Individuals can go online to 3D modeling software sites such as Tinkercad or Thingiverse to find or create their own 3D designs. Once the design is ready, users can make an appointment on the Marin City Library website to use the printer. Bringing in their design on a flash drive, users will be able to print out small, simple objects such as tablet holders, ornaments, and phone cases.

The Marin City branch was chosen as the home for the County’s first public 3D printer because Marin Webstars, a youth technology program, is headquartered there. The Webstars will help provide technical assistance to library goers who want to use the 3D printer.

If the Marin City pilot program is a success, the Marin County Free Library intends to bring 3D printers to more of its branches.

For more information, call the Marin City Library at 415-332-6158 or visit marinlibrary.org.