Computers and Printing
- Software on Library Computers
- Accessing PCs in Libraries
- Charges for using Library Computers
- Using Library PCs
- Saving Files on Library Computers
- Printing
- Scanning
- Computer Help Sessions with our IT Buddies
- Accessible IT
- WiFi
- Milton Keynes Libraries ICT Policy
- IT Help Guides
- Silver Surfers
- Websites Offering Help and Guidance Online
- Cookies
Library computers have the following software:
- Windows 7
- Internet Explorer 11
- Microsoft Office 2010
Accessing PCs in Libraries
The library PCs will present you with a log in screen. Enter your Library Membership Number from the barcode on your library card but without the initial B. (Note that some numbers end with an X and you should include that). Then enter your library PIN and you will be taken to the home screen.
- PCs are available to use during advertised library opening hours.
- Access to PCs ends 15 minutes before each Library's advertised closing time.
- There is no need to book, but you may have to wait for a short time during busy periods.
Charges for using Library Computers
| Charge | ||
| Computer Access - MK Library Members and SELMS Partner Library Members |
First 30 min session each day Subsequent 30 min session on same day |
FREE £1.30 |
| Computer Access - Non Members |
First 30 min session each day Subsequent 30 min session on same day |
£1.30 £1.30 |
| Printing from PCs (per page) |
A4 Black & White A4 Colour |
25p 75p |
| WiFi Access | At all Libraries | FREE |
Members of Milton Keynes Libraries and SELMS Partner Libraries
- If you are a member of Milton Keynes Libraries or one of our SELMS Partner Libraries, the first 30 minute session each day is FREE. Please bring your library card and PIN with you to log on to a PC.
- Subsequent sessions on the same day at any library location are chargeable and are only available if other customers are not waiting to use a PC.
If you are not a member of Milton Keynes Libraries
- If you are not a member the computer sessions are chargeable. You will need to bring suitable ID of your name with you to the library - for example your passport, student card, driving licence or debit/credit card - to enable staff to log you on to a PC.
- Further sessions on the same day at any library location are charged per 30 minute session and are only available if other customers are not waiting to use a PC.
Using Library PCs
Every effort is made to ensure that all equipment is virus-free, but Milton Keynes Libraries cannot guarantee this.
Our facilities are self-help and staff will assist when possible but cannot provide training or advice, or undertake research for you. You may find these options helpful:
- Several Milton Keynes Libraries offer basic IT Help Sessions through our IT Buddies. If you're interested in booking a session you can email us for more information.
- User Guides
- Silver Surfers Help
- Computer courses are run by Community Learning MK (CLMK)
- Online Library Services (eLibrary)
Parental Consent is required for Children Under 16 Years to use Library Computers.
Get Safe Online offers free, independent, user-friendly advice that will allow you to use the internet confidently, safely and securely.
Saving Files on Library Computers
- You can download files on to your own storage devices, or purchase a USB memory stick from the library.
- Files cannot be permanently stored on Library PCs. Files can be temporarily stored on the X drive and then attached to an email. Files saved on the X drive must be deleted before the end of your session.
Printing
Printing can be done from computers at all Milton Keynes Libraries for a charge (with the exception of Kingston Library and Westcroft Library which have no public PCs).
| Charge | ||
| Printing from PCs (per page) |
A4 Black & White A4 Colour |
25p 75p |
Scanning
All Milton Keynes libraries (with the exception of Kingston and Westcroft) have a self service A4 scanner connected to one of the public PCs.
| Charge | |
|
Scanning - Self Service Scanning - Staff Assisted |
FREE + computer access charge where applicable £1 per page + computer access charge where applicable |
You may need to queue to use the scanner at busy times.
WiFi
WiFi is available at all Milton Keynes Libraries.
Please be aware that WiFi will close down 15 minutes before each Library's advertised closing time.
Customers will need to have with them a mobile phone (or other device) capable of receiving SMS text messages.
You will need to select the Library Public WiFi option for the appropriate Library. The WiFi names for each Library are:
- MKC Bletchley Library Public
- MKC Central Library Public
- MKC Kingston Library Public
- MKC New-Pag Library Public
- MKC Olney Library Public
- MKC Ston-Strat Library Public
- MKC Westcroft Library Public
- MKC Woburn Sands Library Public
- MKC Wolverton Library Public
Having selected the appropriate Public WiFi service you will be directed to a page displaying the Terms and Conditions of use. Please read them. If you agree to these, you will need to enter your mobile phone number to receive a password by text message. Entering the password will connect you to the WiFi service of the host library.
The password lasts for 90 days on this device. Any other device you use will need to be registered in the same way and re-registered after 90 days. You will need to register separately in each library you use.
IT Help Guides
There are a few guides available that may answer some of your questions.
Creating an Email Address
There are many email providers including Gmail and Yahoo. Instructions to help you set up an email account can be found on the Digital Unite website.
Digital Unite is an organisation that is committed to supporting people to have good digital skills. They offer help and support to IT volunteers and they produce a variety of guides which you may find useful.
Online Safety
Britannica offers an eSafety Guide for Students (PDF, 738KB) to help you stay safe online.
Are you just starting to use the Internet? Here are some interesting and useful web sites recommended by Milton Keynes Libraries.
Milton Keynes Central Library is a UK Online partner.
- BBC
- BBC Adults Learning Page
- BBC iPlayer
- BBC webwise (online IT course)
- Ability Net - enabling disabled people to use digital technology
- Digital Unite - computer training for over 50s
- Gov.uk - government services
- Microsoft Digital Literacy
- Money Saving Tips
- Money Off Vouchers and other bargains
- My Supermarket
- Google Search Engine
- NHS UK
- Train Times and Fares
- YouTube
Websites Offering Help and Guidance Online
- Gov.uk – Government services and information including HMRC, child benefit and submitting self-assessment tax returns.
- National Cyber Security Centre - Government site with guidance and resources to keep you safe online.
- The Ultimate Guide to Two-Factor Authentication (2fa) - Enable this free security feature for your accounts and be safe online.
- NHS choices – Find your local GP or get information through an A-Z of Health.
- Council website – Information about local schools, recycling and other council services.
- Citizens Advice Bureau – Advice and information on resolving legal, financial and other problems or situations.
- Federation of Small Businesses – Business and legal advice for the self-employed and owners of small businesses.
- Do It – Volunteering opportunities.
- Money advice service – Free & impartial money advice, set up by government.
- Get Safe Online – Information about online safety.
- Learn My Way – Online courses offering help for computer basics, Internet banking or shopping and job searching.
- Webwise – Various guides about being online.
- Digital Unite – Online guides, courses and computer tutors.
- Age UK – Dedicated to supporting people in later life.
Last Updated: 20 May 2019
