The library now owns three laptops that are available for use by adult patrons when all desktop computers in the library are in use. Staff at the Reference Desk will use the guidelines below for loaning:
- Laptops are for use only inside the library. Laptops may not be checked out or taken outside of the library building.
- Individuals must be 18 years of age or older to use a laptop.
- We will not be advertising or promoting the availability of these laptops. Staff working at the Reference Desk may offer the use of a laptop when it comes to our attention that a person wants to use a computer but all computers are occupied at that time. This happens most often on weekdays after school and on Sundays.
- In special circumstances, staff may also offer use of a laptop if a patron is finding it hard to work in the main section of the library because of noise. This might happen if a lot of kids are using the main bank of computers and a computer in study room 1 or 2 is not available to offer as a more quiet alternative because the room is in use.
- If an individual is interested in using a laptop, they must leave a government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License, Passport, Military ID, etc.) in the ID sleeve that corresponds with the laptop number they are using. The ID sleeve is located behind the Reference Desk on the interior of the locked cabinet where loaner laptops are stored.
- Staff will provide the patron with a laptop bag containing:
- A laptop
- A mouse
- A power cord
- At this time, we have not set a time limit on the use of laptops other than the restriction that laptops need to be returned at the end of the day before the library closes. Again, laptops will only be offered to a patron if all desktop computers are in use.
- When a computer is returned, please shut down the laptop and plug it in to the power strip in the locked cabinet. Shutting down the laptop will wipe the laptop of all information before the next user powers the computer on.
Printing from Loaner Laptops
Individuals using loaner laptops may print from the laptops using two possible methods:
- Laptop users can send their documents to print using mobile printing.
- Laptop users may also take their laptop to the Print Release Station when they are ready to print. Laptop users will connect the laptop to the green Ethernet cable mounted to the desk. This will connect the laptop to the library’s print network.
- Users can then send their document to the library printer. They will be asked to enter a User ID on the laptop computer. Laptop users can use anything for this: initials, name, etc. as long as they input the same thing in the User ID field on the Print Release Station.
- Laptop users will still pay for their print jobs through the Print Release Station Coin-op machine or credit card machine, regardless of if they are printing using mobile printing or the Ethernet connection.