computers at the library

In order to meet the educational, informational, and recreational interests and needs of the library's patrons, the Monroe County Public Library provides free access to computers, basic computer applications—such as word processing and other "productivity" software—the Internet, and Internet resources. Please refer to our Internet and Computer Use Policy.

No computer at home? Looking for a Wi-Fi connection?
The Library is the place to be. Save time. Save money.

Free Computer Access. For residents and visitors, the library offers:
Public computers with basic computer applications, such as word processing and other productivity software. Internet access and connection to several subscriber-only websites. Wi-Fi for laptops and PDAs.
Use the library computers to your benefit.
online job applications unemployment registration local job listings email online exams legal forms	comparison shopping create flyers type papers visit favorite web sites find facts and explore take a free computer class

The Main Library and the Ellettsville Branch Library provide free Internet access and public computers. Service is available during all open hours .

Public Computers - Details and Services

There are 74 public computers in service. This includes 48 in the Adult Services area, 6 in the Vital Reading Room, 10 in the Children's Department, and 10 at the Ellettsville branch.

Windows XP workstations with Internet access and Office Suite programs (Word, Excel, Power Point).
DVD and CD players installed.
Headphones.
CD burning capability.
Black and white laser printers
Accept: USB flash drives and CDs. Patrons with floppy disks can use the external floppy drive available at the Information Desk.
CD-R discs can be purchased.
Three pages free printing per session for library card users.
Only Monroe County Public Library software is available on library computers.

Computer Sign-up

Log on to a computer by entering a library card number or by using a guest pass.
Computers may be used a total of four hours a day for library card users, one hour per day for guest passes. Based on demand, this time may be divided into sessions.
Printing: The library offers 3 free pages per session for library card users. Additional pages are available at 10 cents per copy, payable at the printing stations.
Breaks: Leave for 15 minutes during a session by locking the computer. After 15 minutes, patrons may lose their computer, especially if the room is busy.
CD-R discs can be purchased at the library.
Please refer to the EnvisionWare FAQ for more information.

Wireless Configuration and Setup

Wireless access at MCPL is high-speed and free. Come in and find a comfortable spot. With a wireless-enabled laptop or PDA access to the Internet is available throughout the Bloomington and Ellettsville libraries.

Visit the library's Wireless Internet Service page for complete details about configuring your wireless settings at the library.

Children's Department

The Advanced Workstations in Education (AWE) Early Literacy Station™ is the first in a series of educational solutions for children ages 2 through 10. It includes more than forty-five educational software packages spanning seven curricular areas, top rated by Children's Technology Review.

The Early Literacy Station™ is not just another computer with software. Kids are captivated by the interface and start to explore immediately. Safe, fun, educationally effective, warranted, hassle-free, and fresh every year.

Educational titles in each curriculum area are chosen for age appropriateness, educational value, replay interest, ease of use, entertainment value, graphics and sound, discovery and growth and much more. The Interface is imaginative, intuitive, encouraging exploration, and drawing kids into a learning adventure.

The games that are installed are:

Reader Rabbit Console
Stellaluna
The Cat in the Hat
Millie's Math House
PEEP Floats
Stationery Studio
Musican 2–3
Musican 4–5
JumpStart Advanced Kindergarten
Sammy's Science House®
Reader Rabbit® Learn to Read with Phonics™
Thinking Things: Toony The Loon's Lagoon
Green Eggs And Ham
Kids Pix Deluxe
Bailey's Book House
SpongeBob SquarePants Typing
Microsoft WordPad
Kidspiration™
Encarta Dictionary
Britannica Children's Learning Suite
The Meadow
Math Blaster 5–7
Krazy ArtRoom

My Amazing Human Body
Between the Lions—Waiter there's a fly in my Soup
JumpStart 1st Grade
Trudy's Time and Place House
Sesame Street—Learn to Play, Learn to Grow
On-Track Software Beginning Reading K-1
Sesame Street—First Steps
JumpStart Toddler
Microsoft Calculator
USA Explorer
Between the Lions—Shooting Stars
Encarta kids
Merriam Webster Dictionary
MusiCan 1
Microsoft Paint
Between the Lions—Pandora's Box
World Explorer
My First Amazing History
Reader Rabbit Math Ages 6–9
JumpStart Phonics
JumpStart PreSchool
Just GrandMa and Me
Flash Action Phonics Made Easy

Found Items

Any items, including computer disks left at the public computers by patrons will be taken to "lost and found" at the 2nd Floor Circulation Desk.

All library programs, performances, and classes are FREE and open to the public.
Funding is provided by the FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY.
Get involved! Join the Friends of the Library.