Internet Computers
The library offers computers with Internet access to the public. Anyone who comes into the library can use one of these computers.
The time-limit for the computers is three hours per day and they are available on a first come, first serve basis.
You will just need to enter your library card number to log in or get a guest pass from the Front Desk.
Computer Shutoff Times
The computers do automatically shut down half an hour before the library closes. You’ll hear announcements as the time gets closer so that you’re sure to finish up and save your work.
Computers are available:
Monday through Thursday: 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
Friday and Saturday: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Bloomington Patrons
You can use a Bloomington Public Library card to log on to our computers as long as you have entered it into our system.
If you have checked out books at the Normal Public Library using your BPL card, then it should be in our system.
If you’re not sure if your card is in our system or if you’d like to get it entered, you can stop by the Front Desk.
Patrons of Other Libraries
If you are a patron of a library other than the NPL or Bloomington Public Library, your library card number will not work to log in to the computers.
You may easily access the computers, though, using a guest pass.
Guest Passes
If you do not have a library card in our system, you may use a guest pass to access the computers.
You’ll just need to show a photo ID at the Front Desk and we’ll print a temporary number for you to use.
Printing
Internet Access for Kids and Teens
Kids and teens may use our Internet computers with parental permission.
Learn more about Internet access for kids and teens here.
Kids Cards – for children 0- to 12-years-old – will only grant access to the computers in the Children’s Department.
Teen Cards – for teens 13- to 17-years-old – will only grant access to the computers in the Adult Department.
Computer for Kids
Apart from Internet computers, we also have game computers in the Children’s Department. Children do not need their parent’s permission to use these computers.
The games are generally educational and are all age-appropriate.
Word Processing and Other Programs
Our Internet computers are also equipped with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Access.
Please note that you will not be able to save documents that you create with these programs directly on a library computer’s hard drive.
Saving on Our Computers
You cannot save or download any files directly to a library computer’s hard drive.
You’ll need to save any files to a flash drive (also known as a “thumb drive” or “usb drive”).
If you would like to purchase a flash drive, we do sell them at the Front Desk for $10 for a 4G drive.
Please note that the library does not profit through the sale of these drives.
Wireless Internet
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the library for laptops and other personal devices.
The Wi-Fi network is titled “npl.” There is no password required and you should be able to connect easily.
Printing
Black and white and color printing is available at the library.
You can even print documents from home – or anywhere else – to pick up at the library.
Find out more about printing here.
Laptops
Patrons who are 18-years-old and older can check out a laptop at the Front Desk to use for three hours in the library.
Laptops cannot leave the building.
You will need to show a valid library card and a photo ID in order to check out a laptop. We will hold your ID at the Front Desk while you use the laptop.
If it is your first time checking a laptop out, you will also need to sign a contract to be kept on file.
Fines and Computer Use
If you have more than $5 in fines or fees, your library card number will not be accepted in the computers and you will not be able to check out a laptop.
If your fines are under $50, then you may stop by the Front Desk and get a guest pass to use the computers.
You will be able to use guest passes for up to three months. After that, you’ll need to pay your fines down to under $5.
If your fines and fees are over $50, you will not be able to use library computers until your fines are paid.
Online Tools
The library has dozens of valuable online tools that you can use for free.
Normal patrons can access these resources from home, using your library card number.
You can also use most of these resources from inside the library without even needing a library card.
Learn more about our online tools here.
ZoomText
ZoomText magnifies the images on your screen to make computers easier to use for people with visual limitations.
ZoomText is available on most of the computers that patrons can use to access our library catalog and on several of our Internet Computers.
If you’re interested in using ZoomText, please ask for help at the Front Desk.
