Ridgewood Library Installs 3D Printer for Patrons' Use

Ridgewood residents now have the opportunity to use a 3D printer, thanks to donations to the village library.

According to a recent release from the library, it'll be kicking off its summer tech season with a live demonstration of its new 3D printer on June 28 at 10 a.m. The printer was paid for by the Friends of the Ridgewood Library, a fundraising group that supports purchases and events at the library.

Library reps say they have a busy schedule lined up for the printer after the June 28 event, starting with a lineup of labs and classes to introduce library patrons to the printer and what it can do. It then plans to move in to themed classes geared toward all ages, like make your own cell phone case classes.

“Long-term, we envision having our patrons use the 3-D printer in a similar way to our 2-D machines,” Library Public Relations Manager Jin Lee said.

“We will likely charge a usage and materials fee (patrons pay only a materials fee for our regular printers). Since 3-D printing requires a considerable amount of time, we think we'll institute a usage fee for fairness, hopefully allowing as many people as possible a chance to print their projects [as possible].”