3D Printing Policy

The Grafton Public Library provides supervised access to 3D printing in order to meet our Library Mission and fulfill Long Range Plan Goals.

  1. The Library reserves the right to refuse the production of any content at any time at the discretion of the Library staff. Examples of objects that will not be produced include, but are not limited to:
    • Any object that is prohibited by local, state or federal law;
    • Objects that are unsafe, harmful, dangerous, or pose an immediate threat to the safety and well-being of others, including parts that can assembled into said objects;
    • Items that can be viewed as threatening or harassing, or racially, ethnically, or otherwise provocative or inappropriate for a public library environment;
    • Objects in violation of another's intellectual property rights;
    • Objects estimated to take an excessive amount of time to print—more than five hours;
    • Objects that are too large for the 3D printer's build plate.
  2. A library card is required to use the 3D printer; print queue priority will be given to Grafton Public Library cardholders.
  3. The Library staff reserves the right to change the print queue as needed and the Library reserves the right to refuse or cancel any 3D print request.
  4. Only trained Library staff and volunteers will have hands-on access to the 3D printer. All physical interaction with and configuration of the 3D printer will be performed by designated Library staff or volunteers.
  5. Please note that the 3D printer is viewable by the public. The production of all projects is therefore subject to viewing by the public.
  6. Only Library owned materials (filament) shall be used in the creation of any object.
  7. Printing cost: $3 for up to an hour of 3D printing and $1 per each additional hour or partial hour.
  8. Any print job estimated to last more than 5 hours is printed at the discretion of Library staff, and scheduling of 3D printing may be affected by Library operating hours.
  9. Once a 3D item is printed, Library staff will send an email confirming the cost and setting a pickup deadline. Payment is due at the time of pick up. The Library accepts cash, or checks made out to the Grafton Public Library memo: 3D printing.
  10. To submit a file to be 3D printed, patrons must fill out our online form. Library staff will send an email within 3 business days confirming that the file meets our guidelines and give an estimated print cost and compilation time.
  11. Printed items are to be picked up within 14 days. Failure to pick up a printed object within this period will result in the cost being invoiced to the patron and the object may be discarded. Repeated failure to pay for or pickup items may result in loss of 3D printing privileges.
  12. Print quality or functionality is not guaranteed. Printed objects from the 3D printing services are provided "as-is" and without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. The Library disclaims any responsibility for the fitness to any purpose of the service and its objects.
  13. By using the 3D printer, the patron assumes all responsibility for, and shall hold the Library harmless in, all matters related to patented, trademarked, or copyrighted materials. A copy of the TITLE Copyright Notice is posted by the printer.
  14. Please note that the policy that governs the use of the Library's 3D printer are subject to review and to change.

Should any patron be dissatisfied with the reasonable accommodations offered, they may follow the appeals process as outlined on the library's website https://graftonlibrary.org/.

Adopted by Library Board of Trustees: February 28, 2024