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All city buildings and facilities are closed to the public through April 19.  All programs, services and outreach activities are canceled. More info. Stream content from our Online Library.

Please do NOT return any of your library materials. All materials are due April 30.

Home / Services / Computers, Internet & Printing / Using a Public Computer

Using a Public Computer

Guests using the computer at the library

The public computers have the following resources.

  • Equipment: CD/DVD drive, USB ports, audio jacks
  • Internet: Chrome, Internet Explorer, Edge
  • Productivity: Microsoft Excel 2016, PowerPoint 2016, Word 2016, Access 2016, Acrobat Reader DC
  • Music/Video: VLC Media Player
  • Tools: Calculator, Magnify, Narrator, Notepad, Paint, Snipping Tool, Sticky Notes, Wordpad

There are no public fax machines at any location.

How does reserving a computer work?

  • You may log on to an available machine or reserve one from a self-service station if all computers are taken.
  • Use your current Boulder Public Library card or Computer Use Card to log on to a public computer.
  • Visitors or users without a library card can use a Guest Pass for a one-hour computer session. Limit one per day.
  • A standard computer reservation is 1 hour, with the possibility of a limited number of automatic extensions, subject to demand.
  • 15-Minute Express Computers are available through the reservation system.  These computers are intended for quick tasks like checking e-mail or Internet searches.
  • Users are limited to 240 minutes (4 hours) per day on all of BPL’s public computers.

Guidelines for Using a Computer

  • Users must conform to the policies stated here and to Boulder Public Library’s General Rules and Regulations when using library computers.
  • Boulder Public Library cards & Computer Use cards are non-transferable. Users must use their own library card to reserve a computer. The use of a friend or family member’s library card is not permitted and may result in the suspension of computer privileges.
  • Headphones are required for listening to any resource with an audio component. Users may purchase headphones from the library or use their own.
  • Users may leave an unattended computer “locked” for 10 minutes. If a user does not return within 10 minutes, the computer may be made available to someone else.
  • Two onscreen warnings will appear prior to the end of your computer session. Failure to comply with these warnings will result in the loss of your work.
  • The last computer session of the day ends 15 minutes before the library closes.
  • Boulder Public Library is not responsible for time or data lost due to computer or power failure.
  • Parents and caregivers are expected to monitor their child’s use of the computers and internet and accompany children in need of supervision to ensure their safety and well-being.