Violating these rules may result in loss of technology access.

Computers

• General computer use
  • Patron computers can be used for up to 2 hours per day, except for:
    • In-house chromebooks and PC laptops can be used for up to 8 hours per day. These devices are located at:
      • Central Children’s Room
      • Central Teen Room
      • Central Wellington Hall
      • East Branch
      • West Branch Circulation Desk
      • West Branch Children’s Room
    • Desktop PCs in the Central Library’s Children’s Room can be used for 45 minutes at a time. If no one is waiting, this period can be extended to up to 2 hours total per day.
  • Computer time can be used at once or spread out over the day on different computers.
  • To use a desktop computer:
    • Sign in using your Library card.
    • If you don’t have a Library card, you can ask for a guest pass from Library staff at a public service desk.
  • To use an in-Library laptop:
    • You must be over age 7 and have a library card.
    • Anyone under 7 must have someone over age 14 present to borrow a laptop.
    • Laptops can be used outside but must remain on Library grounds.
• Express computers
  • Express computers are available for use on the second floor of Central Library (Wellington Hall).
  • These computers can be used without a Library card.
  • These computers can be used for up to 15 minutes. If you need more time, please ask for assistance at the Reference Desk.
• Online catalog stations
  • These are located at all Library locations, for use in looking up books, accessing databases, etc.

Printing & copying

• • Patrons receive $3 of free printing per day. You can pay for more printing at the nearest public service desk (cash only).
  • Black and white prints cost $0.15 per page.
  • Color prints are $0.30 per page.
  • Prints are single-sided only.
• • Copies are $0.15 per page (cash only).
  • Copies are black and white.
  • Copiers can scan to USB for free.
  • Copiers do not offer scan-to-email.

Privacy & security

• All computers have privacy screens, which cannot be removed.
• Computers will remove traces of use when they restart.
  • Computers will automatically restart at the end of a patron session.
    • the express computers in Central’s Wellington Hall do not automatically restart after use. Patrons should be sure to log out of their accounts and remove their work from these computers.
  • Any unsaved work will be lost when a computer restarts and cannot be retrieved.
• Patrons cannot plug their own devices into the Library’s wired internet.
• Patrons cannot add to, delete, or modify installed software or hardware, or circumvent Library network security.
• Library staff cannot add software to computers in response to patron requests.

Sound

• Except in event spaces and meeting rooms, patrons must wear headphones when listening to audio.
• Headphone audio must be quiet enough that it is not audible to other people.

Library event space & meeting room technology

• Event space technology
  • All Library locations offer projection systems (with speakers) for events.
    • Library staff will set up and take down A/V equipment.
    • A designated Library laptop must be used with these projectors.
    • The Library does not make available connectors and adaptors for other types of laptops or devices.
• Meeting room technology at the West Branch
  • Chromebooks and PC laptops are available for use with West Branch meeting room display screens.
  • Patrons are welcome to use their own devices with these screens.
    • There is no guarantee that patron devices will work with Library screens.
    • The Library only makes available certain adapters and cables. Patrons should ask a librarian for assistance.

Updated February 2025