Technology at the Library

3D Printing

3D printing is available at select PEI Public Library Service locations. Printers are operated by library staff and all printing projects must use library-supplied plastic filament. Currently, we are only able to print models in a single colour at a time, and we cannot guarantee the availability of specific colours. 

3D Printing Instructions

• Once you have either designed or downloaded your model in .stl format, save it on a USB drive, an SD card, or a micro SD card clearly labelled with your name. 
• Fill out a copy of the 3D Printing Request form, and submit both the form and your file to one of the participating libraries.
• You will be contacted by library staff when your model is finished.
• 3D printing will be done on a first come, first served basis. A typical 3D model can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours to finish. Libraries cannot guarantee the date and time when submitted files will be completed.

Cost

$2 + $0.10/gram

• An initial payment of $2 is required when submitting a 3D printing request.
• The final cost will be determined once a model has been printed and weighed (i.e. $0.10/gram).
• Payment must be received in full before models can be picked up.

3D Printing Guidelines

• The PEI Public Library Service reserves the right to refuse to print weapons, sexually-explicit materials, or any model that violates intellectual property rights or is prohibited by federal, provincial, or municipal law.
• Our 3D printers are not intended for industrial or commercial manufacturing.
• The Library does not assist with the creation or repair of 3D models. The Library takes no responsibility for projects that fail due to design flaws in the submitted file. The Library cannot guarantee and takes no responsibility for the quality or performance of printed models. If your model includes any raft or support materials, you are responsible for removing them and trimming any rough edges.

3D Printing Resources

There are many different websites where people share their own 3D models for anyone to download. Search one of these websites and download files for free. The file format you download will be .stl.

• Thingiverse
• YouMagine
• MyMiniFactory
• Cults3D

It is also possible to use free CAD software to create 3D models for printing. These programs also come with helpful tutorials to get you started.

• Tinkercad
• Sketchup
• FlashPrint 5
• FlashMaker

WIFI

WIFI access is available for free at all 25 of the PEI Public Library Service's locations. Most libraries require a unique username and password for the public to connect to the location's WiFi. These login credentials normally last for 30 days and can be renewed. Speak with library staff at your branch to obtain the location's WiFi information. 

Public Access Computers, Printing & Scanning

All of our 25 public libraries have public access computers available for the public to use. Use of these computers is based on a first come, first serve model - with the exception of our libraries in Charlottetown and Summerside where reservations are possible. Printing (black-and-white only) and scanning services are also available at all 25 of our public libraries. Printing costs are .10 cents per sheet of paper.

How do I reserve a computer at the Charlottetown or Summerside libraries?

• Click on the "Reserve a Computer" button below
• Select the location where you would like to use a computer (Charlottetown or Summerside)
• Then press "Reserve a PC"
• You will need your library card number and your PIN (personal identification number) in order to complete the computer reservation form.