Public Equipment & Internet Use

Public Use Computers & Copiers

All Bellingham Public Library locations have the following equipment available for public use:

Computers with access to online catalog and online databases
Computers with Internet access equipped with Microsoft Access, Excel, InfoPath, PowerPoint, Publisher and Word
Black and white printer
Color printer (Central only)
Black and white copy machine (Central and Fairhaven only)

Is there a charge for printing or making copies?

Yes, it is 15 cents per page for black and white copies and 50 cents for color (Central only).

Internet Access

The Bellingham Public Library uses a reservation system for scheduling access to Internet computers. Internet use is limited to 1 hour a day.

A Bellingham Public Library card or Whatcom County Library System card is required to use an Internet computer. Visitors may get access to a public Internet computer by checking in with a staff person and providing identification.

RESERVE A COMPUTER

Wireless Internet Access

Wireless Internet access is available at all locations of the Bellingham Public Library for wireless-enabled devices.

A library card is not required to access the wireless network.

There are a limited number of electrical outlets available in the libraries. Patrons using the wireless access network are asked to supply their own electrical power.

The wireless network is not secure and use is at the individual's own risk. Users of the wireless network must configure their own equipment.

To connect to the wireless network:

Use the SSID (Service Set Identifier) or network name = Library
The network does not require passwords
Upon connecting to the network, open your web browser
The Library Terms of Agreement will appear. Click I Agree to continue
Due to security concerns: Open TCP/IP ports are limited to: 21, 80, 110 and 443.

For more information about wireless Internet access, please read the Wireless Internet Access Brochure.

Adaptive Equipment

All Internet computers have a folder on the Desktop called Accessibility Tools and contain the following programs:

Magnifier: a display utility that makes the computer screen more readable for people who have low vision.
Narrator: a text-to-speech utility for people who are blind or have low vision.
On-Screen Keyboard: an accessibility utility that displays a virtual keyboard on the computer screen that allows people with mobility impairments to type data by using a pointing device.

Patrons with sight or hearing impairments may use the following at the Central Library:

D-Link Videophone: allows patrons to use sign language to communicate with videophone relay operators, local agencies, friends and family
Closed Circuit Television magnifier (CCTV)