The latest addition to the MakerSpace at the Main Library is an Espresso Book Machine, a fully integrated high-speed, compact machine that automatically prints, binds, and trims retail-quality paperback books.
With the addition of this new machine, Library visitors can self-publish their own books or print content provided by OnDemand Books, which has more than 7 million in-copyright and public-domain titles from publishers that include HarperCollins, Penguin and Google Books.
The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County is the third public library in the United States to have a machine of this type. The Sacramento Public Library installed its machine in 2011 and the District of Columbia Public Library installed its Espresso in 2013.
The EBM can make a trade paperback book from 5 to 10.5 inches in height and 4.5 to 8.25 inches in width. It can hold a page volume of 40–830 pages. The price of books varies depending on the set-up of each book. For further details about using EBM, visit cincinnatilibrary.org/main/makerspace.html.