Using Technology in the Library FAQs

  • General Questions

    Boston Public Library offers free Wi‑Fi at all library locations.

    1. Make sure Wi‑Fi is enabled on your device.
    2. From the list of available wireless networks, select BostonPublicLibrary.
    3. If the BPL connection page does not appear automatically, open a web browser and visit any website.
    4. When the BPL connection page appears, read and accept the Library's Internet Policy to access the Internet.

    If you have trouble connecting, try opening a web browser, disabling any VPN connection, or restarting your device. Library staff can provide general assistance connecting to the network but cannot configure or repair personal devices.

    For help with your device, you can contact your local library to see if you can schedule a one-on-one session or attend a class for help using our services on your device. If you need technical support for your device, we can help you find where to get it.

    To see a list of our upcoming technology classes on particular devices and software, check our calendar for details.

    No. BPL's public Wi-Fi uses wireless client isolation, which prevents devices connected to the network from directly communicating with one another. This helps protect your privacy by preventing other patrons from accessing your device or viewing shared resources on it.

    However, as with any Internet connection, you should install security updates promptly, only connect to secure (HTTPS) websites, and exercise caution when sharing personal information online.

    A library card in good standing means there are no blocks on the card. A block could be in place for a number of reasons including but not limited to: an expired card, multiple overdue items, replacement cost fine(s) greater than $24.99, a trespass letter on file, more than one existing account, eCard ineligibility, or unreturned ComCat/ILL items.

  • Computers

    • Scanning: $0.05
    • Black & white prints and copies: $0.20 per side
    • Color prints and copies: $0.60 per side

    If you have a library card, your account will automatically be set to a balance of $20 worth of free printing on the first of the month. If additional prints are needed, please add money to your library card. Any additional funds will stay on your card indefinitely and be available to use if you run out of free prints or need to pay fines.

    To add funds with cash, use a self-checkout machine located near one of our printers. Only some of our self-checkouts take cash. If it has a green background on the screen and a coin and bill slot in the base, it can take cash. If you're adding money to a library card, tap the Account icon and then tap the "Pay4Print" icon. If you're adding money to a Guest Account, then select "Guest Print Account," log in, and add money. 

    You can also manage your print funds by logging into PrintCenter.BPL.org using your library card number and PIN. You can securely add funds via a PayPal transaction, either using PayPal funds or a variety of credit and debit cards.

    Learn more about Printing at the BPL on our webpage.

    Our accessible workstations in Tech Central at the Central Library can be reserved in advance by patrons who need them by phone at 617.859.2255.

    Otherwise, we don’t offer off-site reservation of our computers. To get into the queue on-site, use the sign-in station.

    Regular patron computers currently have the following software:

    • Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 2024
    • Microsoft Paint
    • Microsoft Edge
    • VLC Player

    For information about the features of our adaptive computer station, visit our accessibility page.

    To borrow a laptop, present your library card. (You can use an ID if you don’t have your library card with you.) Library staff will ask to verify your address, either verbally or with an ID.

    If the address matches your borrower record, the laptop will be checked out to your card. If your address is incorrect in our system, you will be required to provide an ID so we may update it.

    Out-of-state residents and patrons without a library card will be directed to a desktop computer.

    Computer use is limited to two hours per day, but time will be extended up to four hours if no other patrons are waiting. In addition, some locations have express computers available that do not require a library card or guest pass but are limited to fifteen minutes of use.

    We provide a five-minute grace period on computer reservations. If you’re later than five minutes, you’ll need to make a new reservation.

    Yes. Our express computers in the Central Library in Copley Square’s Tech Central do not require a library card or guest pass, but are limited to fifteen minutes of use. Our staff can issue you a temporary guest pass for a longer session at other computers.

    If you are unable to register for a library card, either because you live out-of-state or you don’t have the proper identification on your person, you may be given a guest pass to use computers. This applies to all ages, so children who are old enough to use the library unattended are also be allowed to use a computer with a guest pass.

    If you are eligible for a library card, you will be informed of the identification we need to complete your registration. The next time you visit the library, please visit the Borrower Services desk to register your card before you use the computer.

    If you have previously registered for a card but don’t have it with you, we can look up your card number so you may sign up for a computer.

    Universal Assistive Technology

    All locations have large print/high contrast keyboard on at least one public workstation or by request.

    Adaptive Computer Station

    One adaptive computer station is available for use in Tech Central, located in the Central Library on the first floor of the Boylston Street Building. In addition to the standard Microsoft Office 2024 and Microsoft Edge and Chrome browsers supported by all BPL public computers, the adaptive workstation includes a large screen monitor, large print/high contrast keyboard, and the following additional assistive tools:

    • Jaws Screen Reader
    • Duxbury Braille Translator 
    • Braille Printer Juliet
    • Kurzweil 3000 

    General Information

    Computer use is limited to two hours per day, with an automatic extension up to four hours if no one is waiting. Customers must have a Boston Public Library card or a visitor pass to sign up for computer time. Telephone reservations are permitted. Please call 617.859.2255 to make reservations or for more information about the adaptive computer station.

    Staff at the desk can assist patrons with basic computer questions. If advanced or extended one-on-one assistance is needed, please make an appointment by emailing computerworkshops@bpl.org or calling 617-859-2323.

    Yes.

  • Printing, Copying, and Scanning

    • Scanning: $0.05
    • Black & white prints and copies: $0.20 per side
    • Color prints and copies: $0.60 per side

    If you have a library card, your account will automatically be set to a balance of $20 worth of free printing on the first of the month. If additional prints are needed, please add money to your library card. Any additional funds will stay on your card indefinitely and be available to use if you run out of free prints or need to pay fines.

    To add funds with cash, use a self-checkout machine located near one of our printers. Only some of our self-checkouts take cash. If it has a green background on the screen and a coin and bill slot in the base, it can take cash. If you're adding money to a library card, tap the Account icon and then tap the "Pay4Print" icon. If you're adding money to a Guest Account, then select "Guest Print Account," log in, and add money. 

    You can also manage your print funds by logging into PrintCenter.BPL.org using your library card number and PIN. You can securely add funds via a PayPal transaction, either using PayPal funds or a variety of credit and debit cards.

    Learn more about Printing at the BPL on our webpage.

    Yes, you can learn more on our Printing at the BPL webpage or see the below information.

    Print from a Personal Device

    Requirements

    Patrons and guests no longer need to connect to BPL WiFi in order to access Print Center.

    *Note: If you do not have a library card, you can sign up for a Self-Service Print account. Please see a staff member or our Guest Passes Guide if you need assistance.

    See the Self-Service Account PDF Guide.

    Getting Started

    Open your web browser and go to PrintCenter.BPL.org. Log in with your library card and PIN, or create a guest MobilePrint account. Guest MobilePrint accounts start with a courtesy $1 balance, after which you will need to add funds via PayPal, credit, or debit card.

    Uploading to Print Queue via PrintCenter.BPL.org

    Upload documents to the print queue by clicking on the Upload button. Select the file that you would like to print. Once uploaded, you can select the document and modify the print settings such as whether to print in black and white or color, only print a selection of pages, etc.

    You can also manage your print funds and can securely add funds via a PayPal transaction, either using PayPal funds or a variety of credit and debit cards.

    Picking up your prints

    When you are ready to pick up your prints, go to a Release Station (the desktop computer located next to the printer) or the printer and log in with your library card number, visitor pass, or kiosk account.

    On the Release Station click on the Print icon and click on the file you want to print. Use CTRL+Click to select multiple files.

    On the printer, choose the Print Release icon. From the list, select the file you one to print by tapping on it and choose the Print button. To print all files in the list, select the Print All button.

    Print Using an iPhone App

    If you plan to print at the library frequently, we recommend the Pharos Print app, which takes a few minutes to install and set up but streamlines the process.

    See the Personal Device PDF Guide.

    *If you do not print frequently, you can use PrintCenter.BPL.org on your mobile device to upload documents to the print queue. Follow the directions in the section to the left for printing from a laptop.

    Requirements

    You will need a library card and a mobile device running Apple iOS 13.0 or later. On the device, you can submit documents to print by using the Open In and Share (iOS) command.

    *Note: If you do not have a library card, follow the directions in the section for printing from a laptop, using a Self-Service Print Account.

    Getting Started

    1. Download the Pharos Print app from the Apple app store or the Google Play app store.
    2. Verify that you are connected to the Boston Public Library network (see Instructions) and have accepted the terms and conditions.
    3. Start the Pharos Print app.
    4. Enter the following server address and port number:
      • Server Address: mobileprint.bpl.org
      • Port Number: 443
    5. Press Connect - The Pharos Print app will connect to the Pharos server and display a log on screen.
    6. Enter your library card number and PIN, and then press Log On. You can then begin using the app and more easily send photos and documents to your print queue.

    Uploading to Print Queue via App

    1. Navigate to the file you would like to print
    2. Tap Options -> Share -> Pharos Print
    3. Confirm popup message by tapping Print
    4. You will see confirmation that the print job has been updated

    Picking Up Your Prints

    When you are ready to pick up your prints, go to a Release Station (the desktop computer located next to the printer) or the printer and log in with your library card number, visitor pass, or kiosk account.

    On the Release Station click on the Print icon and click on the file you want to print. Use CTRL+Click to select multiple files.

    On the printer, choose the Print Release icon. From the list, select the file you one to print by tapping on it and choose the Print button. To print all files in the list, select the Print All button.