Welcome to the Boston Public Library. Use this computer to access Microsoft Office, browse the web, view online resources, print to BPL printers, and connect with library services.
Please save your work on a personal USB storage device or cloud storage account or email it to yourself before your session ends. Files, downloads, browsing history, and other session activity are cleared when you sign-out in order to protect your privacy.
What's New
BPL is updating patron desktop computers at many locations. The new computers are designed to provide a familiar experience while simplifying the software installed on each workstation and ensuring your privacy.
PDFs now open in Microsoft Edge
PDF files will open automatically in Microsoft Edge. Edge supports common PDF tasks, including opening documents, completing fillable forms, and adding comments. This means Adobe Reader is no longer needed on updated patron computers.
Microsoft Edge is the default browser
Microsoft Edge is the default web browser on updated patron computers. This helps provide a consistent browsing, printing, and privacy experience across BPL patron computers.
Prefer another browser?
If you prefer to use another web browser during your session, you may use the links below to download and run it while you are using the computer. You may receive a message when opening the download that you do not have administrator privileges to install the browser, but you may continue and the browser will still be added for you to use during your session. As with other downloads on patron computers, downloaded browsers and files are removed when you sign out.
Helpful Links
Printing at the Library: Learn about printing costs, print allowances, guest printing, printing from a library computer, and printing from a personal device.
Using Technology in the Library FAQs: Find answers about Wi-Fi, reserving computers, computer time limits, laptop borrowing, printing, and other technology services.
Internet Use Procedures and Guidelines: Review BPL guidelines for using public Internet workstations and library technology.
Computer & Network Use: Learn more about BPL Wi-Fi, public computers, laptop lending, and computer instruction.
Accessibility FAQs: Learn about adaptive and assistive technology available at BPL, including accessibility features on patron computers.
Getting Help FAQs: Find ways to contact BPL staff for research help, technology questions, and general assistance.
Computers FAQs
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- 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Universal Assistive Technology
All patron computers in all locations have integrated Windows Ease of Access capabilities for text size, high contrast, magnification, and screen reading. 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.
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Yes.