Computer Access
There are over 500 computers for you to use free of charge across every library and on board some mobile libraries.
You can use Your Library's computers to:
-
Get free access to the internet
-
Use Microsoft Word (for word processing), Access (for databases) and Excel (for spreadsheets)
-
Edit your photographs
If you're blind or partially sighted, we have large print keyboards and software that can magnify print, read webpages aloud and allow you to choose a colour scheme to suit you.
Book a computer in advance
You can book a computer in advance online| or by calling Your Library|. You'll need the barcode number from your library card and your library PIN|.
For help with booking a computer session online|, take a look at the
user guide||| (PDF, 194KB).
When you come to use a computer, bring a memory stick with you to save your work. If you haven't got one yet, you can buy one from Your Library.
There is a small charge| for anything that you want to print.
First time users
If you haven't used a library computer before, you'll also need to read a copy of the
Internet Access Conditions of Use||| (PDF, 69.7kb) and sign and return an
Internet Access Registration Form||| (PDF, 15.6kb).
If you're not yet a library member, join online| now or visit Your Library| to get started.
If you're just starting out, there are many ways Your Library can help.
-
We stock computer books for beginners
-
Staffordshire Adult and Community Learning Service run computer classes for complete beginners in many libraries
-
Libraries in Cannock and Newcastle have LearnDirect centres, in which you can do a wide range of courses. Wombourne Library is an outreach LearnDirect Centre
-
Some libraries can put you in touch with an IT buddy - a library volunteer who can provide you with support in using computers
-
From time to time, Your Library will also offer activities such as digital photography and sessions on researching your local and family history online
Take a look at What's On at Your Library| or get in touch to find out more.
At Your Library, you can surf the web for free but before doing so, everyone under the age of 16 needs to have an Internet Registration Form signed and returned by a parent, carer or guardian.
When Your Library receives the completed form, you'll get a PIN which you must keep safe and must not share with anyone else.
Be SMART when you use the internet:
-
Secret - always keep you name, address, mobile phone number and password private. It's like giving out the keys to your home!
-
Meeting someone you have contacted in cyberspace can be dangerous. Only do so with your parent's/carer's permission and when they can go with you.
-
Accepting emails or files from people you don't know or trust can get you into trouble, they may contain nasty messages
-
Remember someone online may be lying and may not be who they say they are. Stick to the public areas in chat rooms and if you feel uncomfortable, get out.
-
Tell your parent, carer or librarian if someone or something doesn't seem right.
Staying safe online - Guidance for parents and carers
Use of the internet is free but you'll need to read the
Internet Access Conditions of Use||| (PDF, 69.7kb) and sign an
Internet Access Registration Form||| (PDF, 15.6kb). if your child is under 16 years old.
This form can be completed at Your Library or will be sent to you when your child makes an enquiry.
The internet is a fantastic resource for learning and enjoyment, but these are some of the possible issues you need to consider before signing:
-
Unacceptable content - this could be pornographic, racist or violent or otherwise abusive. Your Library's filtering software will eliminate most of these, but we cannot guarantee that all will be excluded.
-
Unwelcome contacts - for example, large numbers of emails advertising unsuitable website or services.
-
-
-
-