Free Wi-Fi Access

How do I access the wireless network?

Our network name is Library.  No password is required.  Click on the “Library” network and, after reading our Wireless Policy, click on “connect to the internet” at the bottom of the page.

Your computer or device will need to have an activated wireless network card. 

What if I cannot connect to the library’s wireless network?

If you normally use other wireless networks, your computer may not connect automatically.  You may have to go into the "settings" area of your device to find our network.

Is technical support available?

Because laptops and devices vary greatly, Marin County Free Library staff cannot offer technical assistance with establishing a wireless connection nor handle privately owned equipment. You are responsible for setting up your own equipment. If you are not familiar with configuring computers or networking, we recommend consulting your device's manual.

Can I print while using the wireless network?

No, but you can save your work to a flash drive or attach a document to an email; then logon to our public computers and print from there.

Are there any limitations on the wireless network?

Wireless Network users will not be able to use FTP (file transfer protocol), file share, or outgoing SMTP (simple mail transfer protocol). You can access web-based email using a laptop such as gmail, yahoo mail, etc.

The Marin County Free Library is not responsible for any changes that you make to your computer’s settings and cannot guarantee that your hardware will work with our wireless connection. We recommend that users read their PC and/or Wireless manuals thoroughly.

Public Computers

• Marin County Free Library users may use a public computer for up to 2 hours a day when stations are available.
• You may reserve a computer up to 1 week in advance.
• You may have a maximum of 2 sessions booked at a time.
• Please note that you will lose your reservation if you don’t show up on time! There is a 5-10 minute reservation grace period depending on the branch. Since this grace period varies between branches, be sure to know the policy of the branch where you have reserved a computer. 
• The computers do not accept new logons 15 minutes before the library closes, and computers shut down 10 minutes before the library closes.

All of our public computers have the following applications:

• Internet browser
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office Picture Manager
• Google Chrome
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Adobe Reader
• Microsoft Publisher
• Picasa3
• Windows Media Player

Reserve a Computer

The Library’s public computers can be reserved at a library catalog station or remotely from work, school or home using your own library card and PIN.  We do not take phone reservations.

1. Click on the Reserve a Computer button.
2. Click on Schedule a Computer.
3. Enter your library card number and PIN.
4. Select the specific library where you wish to reserve a computer, by using the pull down menu or by clicking on the Red Star next to the Library name on the map.
5. Explanation of choices:
   • Search by PC type – this option lets you select the length of time of the reservation.  MCFL computers are either one hour, 15 minutes or 20 minutes, or 30 minutes.
   • Search by Specific PC – this option allows you to select the specific computer work station at your selected site.
   • Search by Application – this option ensures that the computer you reserve will have the software you need to use.

1. Click the Search button to see a list of possible reservation dates and times.
2. Select the time and date and then click on available.
3. You will then see a page confirming your reservation and giving you the specific computer number you have reserved.  Be sure to note the time and workstation you have reserved.
4. You can cancel the reservation by clicking the Cancel Booking; make another reservation by clicking Back to Booking; or logout if you are done.

Printers

Printing is available from all of the library's public computers (except catalog stations).  Black & white prints are 15 cents per page and color prints are $1 per page.  You must use cash for printing.  We do not have copy cards.

MCFL does not offer wireless printing. There are two printing options:

1. Save your document to a flash drive, then log on to a public computer to print, or
2. Email the document to yourself and print from a public computer.

For more information about how to print from the library's computers, see our Print Management FAQs (pdf).

Copiers

All of our branches have public photocopiers.

• Price per copy is 15 cents.
• Black and white prints only; no color copying is available.

No public FAX machines are available at our branches.

ADA Computer Workstations

ADA workstations are public access computer workstations equipped to be accessible to the visually impaired.

Each station includes:

• Dragon Naturally speaking
• Zoom Text with Reader software
• A variety of pointing devices such as trackballs and touchpads.

To reserve an ADA workstation you must:

• Have a current MARINet library card and

• Complete an Application for Adaptive Computer Station form and

• Provide documentation of a disability such as DP (disabled person) parking placard; disabled transit pass; a letter on official letterhead from a doctor, social worker, registered nurse, psychologist; a letter on official letterhead from a learning disabilities, rehabilitation or special education teacher.

After a branch manager reviews the completed form and documentation, ADA qualified patrons may reserve the ADA workstation by phoning the library branch reference desk during open hours.

When not in use by ADA qualified patrons, these workstations may be used by others.