All libraries have computer facilities which are free to use.  You can drop into any library and use a computer straight away if one is free.  Alternatively you may book online using your library card and your PIN which is usually the last four digits/letters of your postcode.  If have any difficulties contact your library.

 

You can read the full terms and conditions for using the public access PCs.

 

 

Wi-fi internet access is now available in all libraries across the Borough.  Documents on how to log are available on our wi-fi page.

 

 

You can use our computers for up to three hours a day (3rd hour is charged).  You will be able to print at a cost in black and white, or colour.  There is also the facility to use a scanner.

 

You can also print to our printers from Home or when using our WI-FI connection.

 

To view our charges you can have a look at our fees and charges page.  

 

 

We have Microsoft Office software available on all computers, so you can type up a document using MS Word, or create some charts using MS Excel.  Please note that we use 2002 versions of Microsoft software which means any documents created on newer versions will not be readable.  You should therefore use the 'save as' function on your home computer to save the document to a word/excel 2002 version.

 

 

All of our public PCs have USB ports to allow work to be saved to USB pens (also called USB memory sticks).  

 

 

You may be able to download photos from your phone.  This is done by using the USB cable provided with your phone and connecting to the USB port on the PC.  Once connected you may need to choose 'mass storage device' if given the option on your phone.

 

 

 

All public PCs have GIMP photo editing software installed.  This works very similar to Adobe Photoshop and allows you to carry out most photo-editing tasks (see tutorial links below).  We do have Adobe Photoshop on selected computers (so you must book the correct computer when you make an online booking).

 

 

The following are excellent links to GIMP documentation so you can start editing your photos from scratch.

 

 

Gimp Quickies - Excellent basic tutorial for common tasks

 

Full Tutorials - Lots of tutorials organised by beginner, intermediate and expert users.

 

 

 

It is possible to make use of a computer with height adjustable desk, large monitor, alternative mice/keyboard, and text to speech/screen magnifying software.  It is recommended that you contact your library to check availability before making a journey.

 

Whatever your age it is never too late to learn how to use a computer.   Formal classes within libraries are run by the Adult and Community Learning team.  There is sometimes a waiting list to join a class.  Contact your nearest library for further information.

 

Libraries also run regular informal sessions and a list of these can be found in the download link on the Reading and Writing page. 

 

Sometimes libraries will run special computer related events and these are always advertised on this website on our events page.

 

Also have a look at a range of other courses run by the Adult and Community Learning team.