Computers and Internet

Internet Access 

The Main library has a total of twenty-five adult computer workstations with Internet access, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel,  and Publisher 2003 or 2010.  There are ten computers with unfiltered Internet access located on the west side of the third floor (Stations 305-314).  The remaining stations have filtered Internet access. 

A library card number is required to use the Internet stations.  Out-of-area users can register their non-Evanston library card at the Magazine Desk on the third floor.  Frequent users of the library who do not have a library card may obtain a computer-use only card by presenting any form of identification at the Magazine desk.  Short-term Evanston visitors may obtain a single-use guest pass at the Magazine desk. 

Users can sit down at any empty computer. If there is a future reservation for that station, it will be displayed on the screen.  If all the computers are busy or you want to make a reservation for a future time (up to two days in advance), you can make a reservation at one the reservation stations located on the second and third floors. Computer sessions are one hour long.  If no other user is waiting, the system will automatically offer up to two 15 minute extensions.  Library card and computer-use only card holders are entitled to two sessions per day. Computer reservations can also be made online.

Printing is available for 20 cents a page for black and white copies and 50 cents a page for color copies.  Headphones, floppy disk drive, and CD-ROM drive may be checked out from the Magazine desk.

An Accessible Internet station is available on the east side of the third floor.  This station is equipped with Zoomtext screen magnifier/reader and is wheelchair accessible.  Users should sign up for this station at the Reference Desk on the third floor. 

The Main Children's Room has eight stations with filtered Internet access for which library users under 12 (and their accompanying parent) may reserve two half-hours daily.   In addition to Internet access, these computers also have Microsoft Windows, Excel and PowerPoint 2003 installed. Internet stations should be reserved at the Children's Room desk.  Printing is available for 10 cents per page.

The Loft, EPL's space for teens, has seven stations with filtered Internet access for library users between sixth and twelfth grade.  In addition to Internet access, these computers also have Microsoft Windows 7 and Microsoft Office 2010 installed.  Reservations for the Loft computers must be made in the Loft.  Black and white printing is available for 10 cents per page in the Loft.

The North Branch has two 30-minute Internet stations.  Printing is available for 10 cents per page.

Wireless Internet Access 

Wireless Internet access is freely available at all locations of the Library.  No library card is required.   See the Wireless FAQ for more information.