Downtown Reno Library Elevator News
Due to ongoing construction, the elevator at the Downtown Reno Library is currently not in service. Computers and restrooms are available on the main level for patrons who are unable to use the stairs, and staff can assist with retrieving materials from other levels.

 

 

Washoe County invites you to SpeakUp. Learn about projects and programs, access meeting agendas, and share comments on topics you care about.
Washoe County Library logo

3D Printing

QUAD-Grand-Opening-14.jpg

If you have never tried 3D printing before, here is your chance to try it out. You can submit a request and then select a Washoe County Library branch as your pickup location. Your object will be printed using PLA filament. Objects will be printed in whatever filament color is already in the printer.

3D printing at the library is free of charge and available to Washoe County Library cardholders. Each cardholder may request a maximum of 1 item per week. We do not print weapons or weapon parts (including guns and knives).

Your 3D printing file must be an .obj or .stl file. These are the only acceptable formats for the 3D printers used at the library. Print jobs are limited to one request per library card account per week.

The maximum total print time for each 3D item is limited to six hours. Anything requiring longer than six hours will not be printed. You item will be held for one month for you to pick up, then it will be discarded.

If your object is too big to fit on the printer, it will not be printed. Please see the FAQ page to see the maximum print size allowed per printer. We use the Lulzbot Mini 2, and the Lulzbot Taz printers.

Not sure where to start? Thingiverse, Tinkercad, and MyMiniFactory are all great sites to explore. While our printers can make a variety of things, they may not be ideal for highly detailed mini-figurines or similar print requests. If your item cannot be printed on a Washoe County Library 3D printer, you may want to explore other 3D printing services in the area, such as the University of Nevada, Reno's DeLaMare Library. Costs vary. There are also online printing services that you can use.

Please browse the FAQs for more info.

Submit a Project   3D Printing FAQs

 

To Get Started

Once you submit your request, it will be added to the print queue, and you will be contacted as soon as the item is ready for pick up. Most print requests are completed in one to two weeks. 

 

All 3D objects will be printed using a single filament color. Branches will use whatever filament color is already loaded in the printer. Each library patron is limited to printing a total of one 3D object per week. Print time per object must not exceed six hours. If your item cannot be printed, you will be notified by library staff. The library will not save or retain submitted files after printing objects. Printed items not picked up within one month after notification will be discarded. The Washoe County Library System's 3D printers may only be used for lawful purposes. They cannot be used to print material that is:

  • Prohibited by local, state, or federal law
  • Unsafe, harmful, or dangerous, or poses an immediate threat to the well-being of others
  • We do not print weapons or weapon parts (including guns and knives)
  • In violation of another’s intellectual property/copyright

The library reserves the right to: 

  • Review and approve all materials before printing
  • Set a limit for the maximum amount of time a print job may take
  • Refuse any 3D print request

Supervision of 3D printing by library staff or volunteers does not constitute knowledge or acknowledgement of any final use of the 3D product, and the library specifically disclaims any knowledge thereof.

Lulzbot Mini 2:  LulzMini2.png

  • Print Area Dimensions: 152 mm x 152 mm x 158 mm (6 in x 6 in x 6.2 in)
  • Supported file formats: STL, OBJ, G, G-Code, 3MF, or X3D
  • Layer Height: 0.25 mm
  • Filament: PLA
  • Infill default setting: 20 percent
  • Available at: North Valleys Library, Northwest Reno Library, Sierra View Library, South Valleys Library, Spanish Springs Library, Sparks Library 

 

15543985601.png

Lulzbot Taz 6: 

  • Print Area Dimensions: 280 mm x 280 mm x 250 mm (11.02 in x 11.02 in x 9.8 in)
  • Supported file formats: STL, OBJ, G, G-Code, 3MF, or X3D
  • Layer Height: 0.25 mm
  • Filament: PLA
  • Infill default setting: 20 percent
  • Available at: Downtown Reno Library, Incline Village Library

 

Download an Object to Print

octopus.jpg

Find and download 3D objects files created by others. Many sites offer files free of charge, and many site offer a 3D printing service:

Design Your Own Object

There are lots of freely available lessons and software online. Here are a few we recommend:

TinkerCad
The interactive lessons are perfect for the first time user. This free, cloud-based 3D modeling software will have you creating your own designs in just a few lessons.

Blender
Open source 3D creation suite.

Sketchup
Think in 3D; draw in 3D. Start by drawing lines and shapes. Push and pull surfaces to turn them into 3D forms. Stretch, copy, and rotate to make anything you like.

Materials housed within the library as well as graphics or illustrations obtained by patrons may be protected by copyright. Patrons are responsible for abiding by copyright restrictions and obtaining any necessary permissions when using those resources.

Print

The Wall Street Journal

Full access to the most recent issues of the Journal

Libby

Our digital collection features thousands of titles you can access with Libby

The New York Times

Complimentary digital access to The New York Times

Reading Challenges

Participate in all our reading challenges with the Beanstack app

TechBoomers

Learn popular technology, apps, and websites with a senior focus

Small Engine Repair Reference Center

Detailed, user-friendly repair guides for all manner of small engines

NoveList Plus

Reading recommendations, series information, and more tools for readers

Mango Languages

Easy access to language learning . More than 72 languages offered.

LinkedIn Learning

Creative, business, and technology courses for in-depth learning

Computer Skills Center

Video courses to learn popular software and computer basics

1,000 Miles Project

The first-hand account of a 1914 prospecting trip across Nevada provides an engaging way to study history

WorldBook Online

With activities and a suite of research tools, it's more than an encyclopedia

TumbleBook Library

A collection of talking, animated picture books and ebooks for kids

Libby

Our digital collection features thousands of titles you can access with Libby

1,000 Miles Project

The first-hand account of a 1914 prospecting trip across Nevada provides an engaging way to study history

WorldBook Online

With activities and a suite of research tools, it's more than an encyclopedia

Brainfuse HelpNow

Live homework help, writing lab, test prep, and other student resources

Explora

Research resources and tools for students and teachers

STEAM

Science, technology, engineering, and art resources

Family Engagement and Literacy

Cultural and educational resources for kids of all ages

Get a Card

Sign up for an instant digital card to get access to all our online resources.

Apps and Tools

Many of our most popular resources have apps for easy use on mobile devices.

TumbleBiblioteca

Disfrute de más de 50 libros, libros de dibujos, y libros con audio para niños de todas las edades.

Referencia Latina

Texto completo cubre una amplia gama de temas dentro y fuera de la academia.

OverDrive

Colección de libros electrónicos y audiolibros descargables en inglés o español y revistas.

The New York Times

Acceso gratuito en línea al New York Times, tanto de forma remota como en la biblioteca.

HelpNow

Tutoría en vivo en español o inglés está disponible con Brainfuse HelpNow