3D printers add extra dimension to public libraries

Julie Knowles (left) and Sarah Kennedy check out the 3D printer at the Waverley Library. Photo / Lin Ferguson.

After research discovered that 3D printers were rare in smaller towns, the Taranaki Savings Bank Community Fund has delivered a $43,400 grant to put the technology into the seven South Taranaki public libraries.

At Waverley Library, librarian Sarah Kennedy said the 3D printers were attracting adults and children alike.

"Everyone is just loving it ... including me. I think it's fascinating."

Hawera Library-Plus head librarian Ann-Louise Vonk said that even though many of New Zealand's large city libraries had 3D printers, a lot of smaller places did not have access to the technology.

"And very few of the schools have them," she said.

"We're thrilled to have this technology and it is so unbelievably popular.

"People are already looking online for ideas and downloading them."

Printing objects costs 10c a gram for the filament the machines use, which is biodegradable and made from cornstarch.

Mrs Kennedy said the creativity among schoolchildren was inspiring.

"I love watching them ."