Using a computer or laptop or WiFi at the Elmwood Park Public Library is simple and free, and there are many options, including resources for improved accessibility.
Internet Computers
We have a lot of public internet computers for checking your email, social media, applying for a job, watching a video, reading the news, and so much more:
- 12 Internet Computers in Adult Services (60 minutes)
- 16 Internet Computers in Kids & Teens (60 minutes)
Residents with an Elmwood Park Public Library Card
Get started at any available computer by clicking the word AVAILABLE and typing in the barcode number from the back of your library card. Then just agree to the terms of use and begin your hour session. If you need more time, then just ask at a Reference Desk to have your time extended.
Internet Computers for Non-Residents
Computer use for non-Elmwood Park residents is now free. If you do not have an Elmwood Park Public Library Card, you simply need to visit a service desk and ask to use a computer, and staff will give you a guest pass number for you to use at the computer to begin a session.
Privacy
We understand that you are concerned about your privacy when using public computers at the Library. At the end of each timed session our computers automatically reboot, wipe any files added to the computer, and clear search histories, so personal information should never stay on our computers and will not be available to any other users.
What’s Available on Library Internet Computers?
We have lots to offer on our computers:
- Internet browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer and Safari
- Microsoft Office 2010: Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, and Access
- SWAN Online Catalog: link to our catalog to search for books, movies, music and more.
- Research & Learning: available through the link to our website, check out one of the many research and learning databases and tools available to you for free.
- Headphones for your listening enjoyment.
- DVD/CD drives for listening, watching, or storing data.
- USB Ports: Insert your USB/Flash drives to work with saved documents.
Laptops
In-House Laptops for Residents with an Elmwood Park Public Library Card
Elmwood Park resident cardholders who are at least 18 years of age may check out a Chromebook or Macbook at the Adult Services Desk. Laptops are available for in-house use only. They may be checked out for two hours and may be renewed twice for a total of six hours if laptops remain available. All laptops are due back to the Adult Services Desk 30 minutes before closing.
Take-Home Laptops for Residents with an Elmwood Park Public Library Card
Elmwood Park resident cardholders who are at least 18 years of age may check out a Chromebook at the Circulation Desk to take home. Laptops are available for 3 weeks, with 2 renewals if there are no holds. Check the SWAN Catalog for availability or to place a hold.
What's Available on our Laptops?
Chromebooks include a USB and HDMI port as well as the Chrome browser. Sign in with a Google account for access to Google Drive (documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.)
The Macbook includes a USB and HDMI port; Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, One Note, Outlook;) Safari, Firefox, and Chrome web browsers; Pages, Keynote, Numbers, iTunes, iMovie, and Facetime.
For the Visually & Mobility Impaired
Ask for these items at the Adult or Kids & Teens Desks to help improve your experience:
- Large stationary mouse - features comfortable ambidextrous design, convenient button controls, large tracking ball
- Large print USB keyboard with high-contrast keys
Our internet computers also have a few tools for the visually and mobility impaired users:
- Magnifier: This tool will magnify text.
- Narrator: This tool will convert text to speech.
- On-Screen Keyboard: This tool will put a keyboard on the screen so that you can type with mouse clicks, rather than with the physical keyboard.
Access the Control Panel to turn on the features mentioned above by clicking the following path to get the menu shown below:
Windows (start button) > Control Panel > Ease of Access Center
