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Computers, printing and wifi in libraries

Every library has:

  • Windows 11 desktop computers

  • a flatbed scanner

  • printing facilities including wifi printing

  • and free wifi

Our computers have:

You can use a computer for up to two hours a day. We may reduce how long you can use a computer at busy times such as school holidays. You may be able to stay on for longer if there is no one waiting.

If you are 8 to 15 years old, your parent or carer must give permission for you to have full internet access. You cannot access the internet, including search engines without permission from a guardian. Check the list of websites you can access in the library.

Children under eight can use the computers, but they must be with a responsible adult at all times. The adult must sign in using their own library card number and PIN.

Reserve a computer

You can reserve a People’s Network computer in advance. You will need your library card number and PIN. Sign in, choose your library and book a session.

Computers switch off 10 minutes before the library closes.

Scanners

All libraries have scanning facilities.

Printers

All libraries provide A4 black and white and colour printing. A3 black and white and colour printing is available at:

  • Accrington

  • Burnley

  • Chorley

  • Clitheroe

  • Colne

  • Fleetwood

  • Haslingden

  • Lancaster

  • Leyland

  • Morecambe

  • Nelson

  • Ormskirk

  • Preston Harris

  • Rawtenstall

  • St Anne’s

  • Skelmersdale

We charge for printing. You can make a cash deposit so you do not have to pay each time you print. 

We use recycled paper for printing.

Wifi printing

If you are a library member, you can print from your own device using our wifi printing service. Use your library card number and PIN to sign in to your Netloan account.

If you are not yet a member, find out how to join.

Using office

Our Windows 11 computers have LibreOffice installed. It has most of the same features as Microsoft Office, but tools may have different names.

You can use cloud services such as Google Docs or Office Online. You will need a Google or Microsoft account.

Saving your work

We clear library computers memory at the end of each session to protect your privacy. You cannot save your work for access after your session ends.

You can save work using:

  • a USB drive

  • cloud storage

  • email

Specialist equipment and headphones

We provide equipment for disabled customers, including tools that enlarge text and read the screen aloud.

If you find it difficult to use the People’s Network, please ask staff for help.

Over-the-ear headphones are available to borrow for library IT courses only. You can bring your own headphones or buy a pair at the library. Bluetooth is not available on library computers.

Personal laptops and devices

You can use your own laptop or device in the library as long as you do not disturb others.

You cannot connect your device to the council’s data network. If your device is wifi enabled, you can use the public wifi.

The Eduroam wifi network is available for students in all libraries. It allows access to university networks. You do not need to be a library member to use Eduroam.

Charging

You can plug in or charge your device in a library, but only in approved sockets. You must ask staff and use a residual current device (RCD), which the library will provide.

Wireless internet access (wifi)

All libraries have wifi. Anyone with a wifi enabled device such as a laptop, tablet or smartphone can use it.

You do not have to be a library member, but you must provide some information to sign in.

Govwifi is available for public sector workers and partners.

To connect to wifi:

  • select the “LancsPublic Wi-Fi” network

  • a sign in page (captive portal) will appear

  • choose to sign in with a social media account or by entering your email address and name

Once connected, your session will remain valid for 90 days from your last use.

You can connect up to five devices.

Wifi is available from 8am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

You can use wifi to download eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, newspapers and comics.

Library staff cannot set up wifi on your device. You are responsible for your own equipment and settings.

If the sign in page does not appear, open a non-secure website (for example www.bbc.co.uk) to trigger the sign in screen.

We cannot guarantee that wifi will work with every device.

Security, filters and limits

The People’s Network and wifi networks are not secure. Information you send may be visible to others. Do not send confidential information such as passwords or payment details.

Make sure your device has up-to-date security, including anti-virus software. Configure your device so that other devices cannot access it.

We use internet filters to block unsuitable or illegal content. Sometimes acceptable websites can get blocked, and some unsuitable sites may not be. You can ask staff or email library.online@lancashire.gov.uk if you think a site has been blocked or allowed in error.

You can ask staff for unfiltered access on a one-off basis. Staff must make the booking.

You must use all public ICT legally. If you break the law, you may be at risk of prosecution.

We operate a fair use policy. If your usage affects others, we will try to contact you. If it continues, we may remove your access.

We keep logs of internet activity so we can respond to official police requests and comply with legislation such as the Data Protection Act.