Public Computers & Equipment FAQs

  • General Questions

    Yes. All of our branches* have Chromebooks and Wi-Fi Hotspots that you can borrow for 2 or 3 weeks. Contact your local branch about availability. It is possible to check them out separately or together, depending on your preference and branch availability.

    Currently, Chromebooks check out for 2 weeks with no renewals; it is not possible to place a hold on these items online. Wi-Fi Hotspots check out for 3 weeks, can be renewed, and holds can be placed online. Please check with your local branch for more detail. Chromebooks and Hotspots should be returned to the branch where they were checked out. Please return these items to branch staff during open hours. Please do not place them in the Bookdrop, as they are fragile.

    Chromebooks are simplified laptop computers based on Google’s Chrome browser. Chromebooks are fast, secure and easy to use. They are Internet-only devices, and require Wi-Fi to provide online access via Google Chrome. Using cloud computing, Chromebooks do not run traditional software or store files. All of the Chromebook’s operations take place using the Chrome web browser and web applications either through a user’s free Google account or in Guest mode (for those without Google accounts.) Chargers are included with the Chromebooks.

    Hotspots are portable pocket-sized mobile routers, which you can take with you to set up an Internet connection. Instead of having to find a hotspot, like at a local library or other business, you can bring the Internet to you through this device and access Wi-Fi through it. Multiple devices can connect to the Hotspot to access the Internet. The Library is providing the data service to power the Hotspots. Chargers are included with the Hotspots.

    While there are no overdue fees, in the case of a damaged or lost device, you will be responsible for replacement charges.

    *Other Marin libraries may also have devices you can borrow. Please check their websites for more information.

    Public computers are available at all of our locations. 

    Bolinas: Book by phone at 415-868-1171 or in person
    Civic Center: Reserve online, opens a new window
    Corte Madera: Reserve online, opens a new window
    Fairfax: Reserve online, opens a new window
    Inverness: Reserve online, opens a new window
    Marin City: Reserve online, opens a new window
    Novato: Reserve online, opens a new window
    Point Reyes: Reserve online, opens a new window
    South Novato: Reserve online, opens a new window
    Stinson Beach: Drop-in computer use

    Just need to print?

    Mobile printing is available without having to use the public computers. For more information, visit our MobilePrint page or call one of our branches during open hours.

    • Turn on:  
      • Open Chromebook, it should turn on automatically.
      • If it does not, try pressing the power button.
      • If it still does not respond, try plugging in the charger and pressing the power button again.
      • Click arrow at center of screen. Click arrow on next screen. This is an internet-only device, providing online access via Google Chrome.
    • Turn off:  
      • Select Exit session on bottom task bar, then click sign out now.
      • Select Shut down at bottom left of screen.
      • Note: When you end a Chromebook session, all personal data (downloads, browser history, logins, etc.) is erased.
      • Holding down the power button for a few seconds is another way to turn off the Chromebook.
    • Connect to Wi-Fi:  
      • On bottom task bar, select Wi-Fi Network.
      • Select Wi-Fi Network to join.
      • Type Network Password.
      • Select Connect.
    • Connect to Mobile Print service:  
      • Go to our Mobile Print webpage.
      • Follow instructions for Printing from your Computer and choose your print location from the list of library branches on the right.
    • Adjust the volume:  
      • You can adjust the volume using the keyboard shortcuts directly to the left of the power button.
    • Save to flash drive:  
      • Note: Flash drives are compatible with Chromebooks, but because no applications are installed on Chromebooks, be aware that some file formats will not be read (i.e. Word, Excel). 
    • Learn more:  
    • Ready to return?:  
      • Return your Chromebook/Hotspot to library staff during open hours. Please do not place them in the bookdrop. They must be returned to the same location they were picked up from. Remember to include all parts of the kit - device, charger, case!

    Accessible Workstations are public access computers designed to provide online access for individuals who may be blind, have low vision, or have disabilities that affect mobility/dexterity.

    Each station includes special assistive software and hardware such as:

    • Zoom Text large print keyboard with Reader software
    • Special pointing devices available on request (ex. trackballs, touchpads)

    An accessible Workstation is located at the following Marin County Free Library branches:

    • Civic Center Library
    • Corte Madera Library
    • Fairfax Library
    • Marin City Library
    • Novato Library
    • Point Reyes Library
    • South Novato Library

    Session lengths on Accessible Workstations at branches may vary (30/60 minutes) and may only be extended by staff. Non-qualified patrons will not be permitted to extend time beyond the designated length.

    Anyone may use an available Accessible Workstation but patrons with a verified disability qualify for special privileges such as reservations by phone and next-session priority for drop-in use.

    To qualify for Accessible Workstation privileges, a patron must:

    • Have a current MARINet library card
    • An Approved Application for Adaptive Computer Station, opens a new window which requires proof of disability (ex. such as disabled parking placard, disabled transit pass, a letter on official letterhead from a doctor, social worker, registered nurse, psychologist; a letter on official letterhead from a learning disabilities, rehabilitation or special education teacher).

    Application will be approved by the Branch Manager. Patrons who qualify may reserve the ADA workstation by phoning the library branch information desk during open hours.

    When not in use by ADA qualified patrons, these workstations may be used by others.

    Our network name is Library. No password is required.

    You will need to agree to our Acceptable Use Wireless Policy. After reading our Wireless Policy, click on “Accept” at the bottom of the page.

    Your computer or device will need to have an activated wireless network card.

    If you normally use other wireless networks, your computer may not connect automatically. You may have to go into the “settings” area of your device to find our network.

    Because laptops and devices vary greatly, Marin County Free Library staff cannot offer technical assistance with establishing a wireless connection nor handle privately owned equipment. You are responsible for setting up your own equipment. If you are not familiar with configuring computers or networking, we recommend consulting your device’s manual.

    Wireless Network users will not be able to use FTP (file transfer protocol), file share, or outgoing SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol). You can access web-based email using a laptop such as gmail, yahoo mail, etc.

    The Marin County Free Library is not responsible for any changes that you make to your computer’s settings and cannot guarantee that your hardware will work with our wireless connection. We recommend that users read their PC and/or Wireless manuals thoroughly.

    Printing is available from all library public internet computers.  You can also print from your laptop or mobile device.

    Library cardholders and Internet Only cardholders receive $10.50 worth of FREE prints per week.  You may print any combination of black and white and/or color pages that does not exceed the weekly $10.50 allotment.  (Maximum of 70 black and white prints per week, or 10 color prints per week.) 

    Additional black and white prints are 15 cents per page. Color prints are 1 dollar per page.

    Print machines accept cash only (no credit/copy cards).

    Please preview your document for accuracy by using Print Preview and help us save paper and toner.

    You can print from your laptop or mobile device to the public printers at any of our branches. 

    For details and instructions, visit our MobilePrint page.

    With our MobilePrint service, you can print to the Library’s public printers from your computer or mobile device, or by emailing your document to the printer. 

    For instructions, please see our MobilePrint page.

    The Marin City Library has a 3D printer available for public use by appointment. 

    See more information about 3D printing on our 3D Printing page.

    Laptops are available to borrow from the Laptop Anytime Kiosk at the Novato Library. Use your library card to check out a laptop for 2 hours of in-library use.

    You'll be able to connect to wi-fi, as well as use the same print allocation system that serves the library public computer workstations to access up to $10.50 in free prints per week.

    How can I borrow a laptop?
    Follow the on-screen instructions. These instructions include reading and accepting the Loaner Laptop Terms of Use.

    How long can I borrow a laptop?
    The time limit is 2 hours of logged in use per day.

    Do I have to sign a laptop use form?
    No written signature is required but you must read and accept the Loaner Laptop Terms of Use electronically each time you borrow a laptop.

    Do you restrict where I can take the kiosk device?
    The device should be used within the library.

    Is there a receipt for borrowing?
    No. You are responsible for returning the laptop on a timely basis.

    What do I do if the laptop is not functioning properly when I first borrow it?
    Return the laptop as soon as you realize there is a problem with it.  Please choose the displayed option that most closely describes the problem you had with the laptop.  Then check out another laptop if available.

    Is there a late fee and how much is it?
    There is no late fee.  If the laptop is not returned, it will be charged against your library account.

    What happens if I lose or damage the laptop?
    You are responsible for the loss or damage up to the total cost of the laptop per the Loaner Laptop Terms of Use you accepted when borrowing a laptop.

    Why can't I borrow a laptop someone else just returned?
    The kiosk performs functions such as deleting the previous patron's data and recharging the battery.  This takes 6 minutes and during that time the kiosk device cannot be borrowed.

    Why are some of the laptops not able to be borrowed?
    A laptop cannot be borrowed while it is in charging mode or if one was reported damaged. Charging laptops will show up as yellow on the kiosk screen. Damaged devices will show up as yellow with a wrench icon. Damaged devices will be repaired and replaced as soon as possible.

    How do I connect to the wireless network?
    The laptop will automatically connect to the library's wi-fi network.

    When I return the laptop, what happens to any data I have left on it?
    Laptops are wiped clean of data to protect patron privacy after each use.

    Can I store data on the laptop hard drive temporarily?
    Yes. The laptop has a temporary drive T:/ that is wiped clean at the end of each session. We recommend that you use an external storage device or cloud drive and save your work frequently that way. If the laptop reboots or runs out of power anytime during the allotted borrowing period, all data is lost.

    What if I get an electronic virus?
    All equipment provided is guaranteed to be 100% virus free when delivered to you.  If you get a virus while using the laptop, simply reboot the unit and that will eliminate the virus. Be careful to save anything that you've created on the machine as that will also be erased.

    Founded in 1996 and headquartered in the Marin City Library, the WebStars program is designed to empower young people through computer training, opportunities to work with the public in a library setting, and participation in internship programs with local technology companies.  The program trains young people as technology ambassadors. The WebStars then serve our community, offering tutoring and troubleshooting with the following:  Email, word processing, and basic hardware/software maintenance, social media, blogging, and photo sharing, webpage design, photo editing, and animation.