5 Ways to Borrow a Computer

by Attention: This post is over 1 years old and the information may be out of date.Attention: This post is over 1 years old and the information may be out of date.

The library has laptops that anyone can borrow, but we're not the only game in town.

Visit the Technology page for more info about how to borrow a Chromebook from one of our branches. At the same time, here's 4 more ways to stay connected.

Tablets

  • Virtual Companions - Designed for older adults, and offering tablet computers specifically, this 501(c)(3) nonprofit recently partnered with Side by Side, a student group at Stanford University. Please note this is not a library service, if you're interested in participating in this program or want more information, contact virtualcompanions.team@gmail.com or (650) 336-8543.
  • Little Scholar - Made specifically for ages 3-7, these tablets come pre-loaded with kid friendly content and do not require a WIFI connection to use. 

Laptops

  • Digitunity- First started in 1984, Digitunity is a national organization in the US that provides new and refurbished computers for their programs and the people they serve, including nonprofits. This is a new resource I just heard about, which seems very similar to TechSoup.org, which you may recall was mentioned in the...
  • Local eRecyclers List - This is my other blog post from a few months ago which highlights options near Palo Alto. Many of the recyclers mentioned also resell low or no-cost computers.

Related FAQs

  • Wireless Internet is available at all branches. No password or library card is required. Steps to Connect:

    1. Look for PA_OverAir_Library on your wireless device.
    2. Accept the policy and enjoy 2 hours of access. 

    After 2 hours, you can repeat the process for more Internet access. Please note that we cannot guarantee your equipment will work with our network. Palo Alto City Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library's network.

  • Yes. Our web printing option works from home or while you're at the library using a laptop or other personal device.

    Mobile devices running current versions of iOS or Android operating systems also have the option of using a dedicated app. See our FAQ on setting up the app.

    Printing Instructions

    Follow these easy steps to get started.

    1. Choose a library to pick up your print from the list below. This allows you to print to any public printer within that specific library     
    2. After clicking the link, you will be taken to a page with instructions, pictured below. Follow the steps on that page to submit your document.
      Image of PrinterOn website
    3. After submitting your document, a Job Reference # will display
    4. Bring your Job Reference # and email address to any Print & Pay Station at the selected library to print.

    For more ways to print, see our other printing FAQs.

  • If you're experiencing difficulty viewing PDF documents directly in your web browser from one of the public PCs, the solution is often to download the PDF to the desktop and open it with a dedicated PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat.

  • While we do not have traditional copy machines, we're pleased to offer a convenient alternative that meets the same needs!

    • Our libraries are equipped with high-quality, public-use scanners.
    • Those scans can be sent directly to a printer in the same room as the scanner.
    • This method also makes it easy to email those same copies to yourself, or save your copies to a USB drive.

    See our printing FAQs for more information about the cost to print and how to access these services. 

  • Printing from a library computer
    1. Find the nearest print release station, or ask a librarian to help you find one
    2. Use your library card and PIN to sign in at a self service station
    3. Pay with cash, or by using the print account associated with your library card
    Printing from your own device
    1. Find the nearest print release station, or ask a librarian to help you find one
    2. Use the email address used when sending your job to the print station to sign in at a self service station
    3. Pay with cash, or by using the print account associated with your library card

    Note that print jobs are automatically deleted at the end of each business day.

    For more ways to print, see our other printing FAQs.

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