Technology Services

Computer Access

Computers are available at all our branches for library cardholders. No reservations are needed. Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. If customers do not have a library card, they can request one guest pass per day good for 1-hour from the staff at each location.

Downtown Library

Computers are available at the Downtown Library for 3-hours at a time, with your library card.

• Adult Computers are located the in adult area by the Makerspace and provide access to the Internet, electronic databases, library catalogs and Microsoft Office.
• Laptop Kiosk: Laptops are available for 3-hour checkout to be used anywhere inside the library from the Kiosk in the Reading Room.
• Teen Computers: Computers are available for just teens in the Teen Space. Open between the hours of 1-9 PM M-Th; 1-5 PM F; 10-5 PM Sat; 12-5 PM Sun.
• Family Place: Devices for children 11 and under and parents with children.

Branch Libraries

• All branches feature computers that offer access to the Internet, online databases and library resources, library catalog and Microsoft Office.
• Toddler touchscreen iPads are available at all branch libraries. At Redwood Shores Branch Library and Schaberg Branch Library children's iPads preloaded with apps can be checked out from the front desk.

Printing

Printing up to 25 pages is free of charge (in color or black and white). If you have a printing balance, this can be used at libraries throughout the Peninsula Library System that do not provide free printing. Instructions for printing using library computers.

Wireless printing from smartphones, tablets, and laptops is available at all locations.

Drop-in Tech Help is available every Wednesday from 10am-12pm in the Makerspace at the Downtown Library.

Need help with eBooks or other technology questions? We have instructors on hand to assist you with your technology questions. No reservation required.

Digital Navigators

Do you need help with your computer or with navigating the internet? Do you know someone who needs access to low-cost internet service and devices so that they can get online? Get connected with Digital Navigators experts who can provide a personalized assistance in English and Spanish.

Digital Navigators, part of the Connected California program, are skilled experts to help you to find low-cost internet service and devices for your home so you can get online, learn basic computer skills to navigate the internet, and to connect you with online resources to improve your life. This program is available to everyone in California and, the best part of the Digital Navigator program is that you will be working with a California Library worker! A Navigator will respond within 24 hours (Monday-Friday) and work with you one-on-one to discuss your needs and how they can help. 

You can call 1-800-790-5319, send a text to 626-873-8390, send an email to help@connectedca.libanswers.com, or complete an online form at  https://connectedca.org/, to get connected with a Digital Navigator.

The California State Library will no longer support this service after June 30, 2024.

Electronic Device Checkout

The library has electronic devices including WiFi Hotspots, iPads, Laptops and other equipment for checkout to Peninsula Library System cardholders in good standing.

WiFi Hotspots

WiFi Hotspots are available at the Downtown Library on a first come first serve basis. Devices check out for 3 weeks. Once the 3 weeks has passed, if the device has not been returned, the data will be turned off. Devices must be returned to front desk staff during open hours and not the book-drop so that customers are not charged for damages that may occur.

iPads

• Laptops for Checkout: The Downtown Library has a collection of ipads for check out available in the Family Place.  Do you have a preschool aged kid you’d like to introduce to learning apps? We have preloaded iPads available for you to check out for 3 weeks! iPads come preloaded with a variety of apps and games such as Khan Academy Kids and PBS Kids. Also included is Gus On The Go Spanish--a great learning app that teaches toddlers the fundamentals of Spanish through interactive games. Your children can learn the fundamentals of science, math skills, reading comprehension and more with our selection of apps.
  
  
• iPads at Downtown: There is also a mounted iPads in the Picture Book section for children to use in the library.
  
  
• iPads at Branches: Toddler touchscreen iPads are available at all branch libraries. At Redwood Shores Branch Library and Schaberg Branch Library children's iPads preloaded with apps can be checked out from the front desk.

Laptops

• At the Downtown Library, there are laptops available for 3-hour checkout to be used anywhere inside the library. These devices are located in the Computer Lab and require a library card to checkout.

Device Chargers, DVD/CD Players, & Headphones

iPhone and Android chargers are available for checkout at each branch, customers need to either check-out on their library card or use one of these forms of collateral: Driver's License, ID card, student ID card, official DMV temporary ID in paper form, transit card with photo, other card with name on it (like medical card or insurance card), keys. We do not accept high value items, photocopies of identification or credit cards.

DVD/CD players and headphones are available at the Downtown Library. Customers may check these out with their library cards or the above listed collateral.

Internet Access 

Use of the internet on the Library’s computers or wireless networks is governed by the Library’s Internet Access Policy 

Free Wi-Fi is available at all Library locations. The Library uses best efforts to ensure network security, but keep in mind that this is an open and unsecured network.

We have extended our WiFi coverage to provide better access to the community while our libraries are closed. WiFi at the Downtown Library now covers Lot B, the large parking lot at the corner of Jefferson and Middlefield. WiFi at Redwood Shores Branch Library covers the parking lot on the Community Rooms side of the building. Our WiFi networks are available from 6:00am to 11:00pm.

Business/Office Tools

Copiers & Scanning

All locations have copy machines that print in color and black & white. All copies cost $0.50 per page.

Scanning is available for free from all libraries using the copy machines. Customers must bring their own data storage devices. For instructions on scanning, follow these steps.

Faxing

Faxing is available at the Downtown Library. Scanning and first page for US fax is $1.75, each page thereafter is $1.00 per page.

Flash Drives 

Flash Drives are available at the lobby desk for $5.00.

Microfilm Reader

There is a microfilm reader at the Downtown Library. The reader accepts both microfilm and microfiche.

Print Magnifier

There is a print magnifier in the Reading Room at the Downtown Library available for public use.