Public Computers

Public Computer Lab

• Public Computer Labs are now available at all library branches for those who have limited or no access to a computer, the internet, and/or printing.
• Computer labs are open at all branches (drop in only) from 9:00am to 8:50pm Monday to Friday and on Saturdays & Sundays from 10:00am to 4:50pm.
• Customers may use up to 180-minutes of computer access per day, system-wide. This will begin with one 45-minute session with the option of adding up to three 45 minute self-extensions, depending on computer availability.
• Self-extensions will be offered automatically.
• Please sign in with your library card.
• The computer labs have been developed following WorkSafe BC guidelines to ensure safety of staff and customers.

Laptop Kiosk

• Laptops are now available for in-library use at the Brighouse Library for those who wish to borrow laptop to browse the internet, and/or printing.
• Laptop Kiosk is open at the Brighouse (drop in only) during posted operational hours up to 30 minutes before closing. Access to the service may also be limited during holiday hours.
• Laptops can be borrowed for 3 hours per session. Customers need to return the laptop to the kiosk after your session to avoid replacement costs, $1,700.
• Laptops are geo-tracked for security and must remain in the library at all times.
• Self-extensions will not be offered.
• Please check out the laptop from the kiosk with your library card.

FAQ

1. Do I need a library card to borrow a laptop?

   Yes. A Full Access Library Card is required. You can apply for one here. Please bring in a piece of ID with proof of current address to complete registration.

2. How can I borrow a laptop and is it free?

   Customers can follow the on-screen instructions, which include reading and accepting the Terms of Use. Borrowing is free but there is a replacement cost for lost and damaged items.

3. What happens if I lose or damage the laptop?

   Customers are responsible for the loss or damage up to the total cost of the laptop per the Loaner Laptop Terms of Use. The laptop replacement cost is $1700.

4. How long can I borrow a laptop?

   The time limit is 3 hours during the library’s operational hours. It must be returned to the kiosk at the end of the session.

5. How many laptops can I borrow at a time?

   One laptop. You can borrow another laptop for another session depending on availability and the library’s operational hours.

6. Do you restrict where I can take the kiosk device?

   Yes. The laptops can only be used inside the library.

7. Is there a receipt for borrowing?

   Yes. Customers will receive both an email receipt after borrowing and returning a laptop.

8. What do I do if the laptop is not functioning properly when I first borrow it?

   Return the laptop as soon as you realize there is a problem with it. Please choose the displayed option that most closely describes the problem you had with the laptop. You can borrow another laptop if available.

9. Why can’t I borrow a laptop that was recently returned?

   The kiosk needs time to perform maintenance such as deleting the previous user-session data and recharging the battery. The laptop will become available for borrowing once these tasks are completed.

10. Why are some of the laptops not able to be borrowed?

    A laptop cannot be borrowed while it is in charging mode or if one was reported damaged. Charging laptops will show up as yellow on the kiosk screen. Damaged devices will show up as yellow with a wrench icon. Damaged devices will be repaired and replaced as soon as possible.

11. How do I connect to the wireless network?

    Log into the laptop right after you borrow it. Connect to “Richmond Public Library”. Passwords are not required for laptop log in or for WiFi access.

12. When I return the laptop, what happens to any data I have left on it?

    Laptops are wiped clean of data and restored to its original settings to protect customer privacy after each use.

13. What if I get an electronic virus?

    All laptops are guaranteed to be 100% virus free when borrowed. The laptop also has anti-virus software installed. If you accidentally downloaded get a virus while using the laptop, simply reboot the unit and that will eliminate the virus. All work needs to be saved onto a USB (not provided by the library) or personal cloud storage otherwise it will be deleted upon rebooting.

14. Can I store data on the laptop hard drive temporarily?

    Yes, however we recommend that you use an external storage device or personal cloud storage and save your work frequently that way. If the laptop reboots or runs out of power anytime during the allotted borrowing period, all data is lost and cannot be recovered.

Computer stations available by branch

• Brighouse: 38 computers, 12 laptops, 3 scanners.
• Ironwood: 25 computers, 1 scanner.
• Cambie: 8 computers, 1 scanner.
• Steveston: 6 computers, 1 scanner.

Technology at the Library:

• Hardware:
  • Digitization Station (LP records, Cassettes, and VHS tapes)
  • Photo Scanner Station (Slides, Negatives, and Photos)
  • Cricut Maker 3 Station (Precision Cutting of Paper and Vinyl)
  • 3D Modelling Station (Designing and Preparing 3D Prints)
• Software:
  • Adobe Creative Cloud
  • Cricut Design Space
  • Audacity
  • Inky
  • GIMP
  • Shotcut
  • Inkscape