Public Computing Center

The Public Computing Center is located on the 2nd floor of the Monroe County Public Library. It is open the same hours as the library except when a library program is scheduled. If you have any questions about use of the Public Computing Center, please ask a librarian.

Mission | Equipment Available | Software Available | Children's Game Computers
CD ROM Collection | Computer Signup | Children In The PCC
Printing | Purchasing Disks | Lost and Found | Food and Drink

Mission Statement

The Public Computing Center exists to provide free access to technological resources to the public. In order to meet the educational, informational, and recreational interests and needs of the library's patrons, the Public Computing Center:

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Equipment Available In The Public Computing Center:

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Software Available In The Public Computing Center:

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Children's Game Computers

Two of the computers in the Public Computing Center have games installed for children to use. These are labeled A and B.

The games that are installed are:

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CD ROM Collection

MCPL's collection of circulating CD-ROMs is shelved in Children's Services.

Titles of our circulating CD-ROMS are listed in the Library Catalog. Patrons who want help finding a particular CD-ROM or CD-ROMs on a particular subject should ask for help at the Reference Desk or at the "Ask Questions Here" desk in the Children's Department.

To use one of the CD-ROMs on the computers in the Public Computing Center, ask the Public Computing Center Staff for assistance.

Only MCPL owned CD-ROMs may be used in the Public Computing Center. They may only be used on Computer "C".

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Computer Sign-up

Patrons must log in at one of the empty computer terminals in the room by entering their library number or by using a temorary number available at the Adult Services Information Desk on the 2nd floor or the Children's Department Information desk on the first floor. Patrons may use the computers for up to four hours a day but this time may be restricted at busy times when the room is full. At these times card holders will be held to one hour sessions, renewable once before they are required to sit out for an hour. Temporary number users are restricted to two half-hour sessions before they must sit out for an hour.

Patrons may leave for up to 15 minutes to use the restroom, the phone, move their car, etc. and we will hold their spot. They should lock their computers by clicking the "Lock PC" button on the "Personal Session Timer" popup, which can be found minimalized at the bottom of the screen. This prevents other patrons from using the computer and prevents SAM from timing the computer out through inactivity. The returning patron will need to reenter their library card or temporary number to continue using that computer. After 15 minutes, patrons may lose their computer, especially if the room is busy.

People who are waiting should check to see if there are others computers available on the 2nd floor, otherwise staying near the Public Computing Center in order to acquire the next available spot.

Computers #4 and #13 are designated "wheelchair priority." This means that if someone comes in who needs this type of desk, the person using that desk will be asked to finish their work as quickly as possible and either move to a different computer if one is available. If none are available, they may take the next available computer.

Computers in the Public Computing Center may not be reserved in advance.

Currently, members of the public cannot reserve the Public Computing Center for group use. However, library staff may at times reserve the Public Computing Center for use with library programs. Consequently, the Public Computing Center may occasionally be closed to the public while library programs are in session. The library will make every effort to post the dates/hours when the Public Computing Center will not be open for public use.

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Children In The Public Computing Center

In accord with library-wide policy, children under the age of 7 years old must be supervised while in the library, and children under the age of 3 must be in close proximity (within sight) of an adult responsible for their safety. This means that children under age 6 cannot be left alone in the Public Computing Center.

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Printing

Patrons are allowed 3 free pages per session. Additional pages are available at 10 cents per copy, payable at the printing stations, which takes change, one dollar, and five dollar bills. Larger bills can be changed at the 2nd floor circulation desk.

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Purchasing Disks

Patrons may purchase computer diskettes at the Adult Services Information Desk on the 2nd floor for 50 cents and CD-R disks for 1 dollar.

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Found Items

Any items, including computer disks are left in the Public Computing Center by patrons will be taken to "lost and found" at the 2nd Floor Circulation Desk, although if the disk has been left recently it's not a bad idea to check at the PCC desk.

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Food & Drink In The Public Computing Center

Food and drink are not allowed in the Public Computing Center. If patrons bring food and/or drink into the Public Computing Center, the staff will either ask them to finish it outside or hold it for them at the desk until they are finished using the computers.

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