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?

Yes, it is possible to print from laptops at most library branches.  

• Download the necessary software.
• Choose the type of laptop (Windows or Mac) and the library location. 
• After the download is complete, click on "Run" to start the Print Client. 
• After the Print Client launches, you will be able to choose the library printer(s) as a destination for your print jobs.  
• You will be able to use the same payment options as those available from library computers.

A screencast demonstrating how to print from a Windows-based laptop using a branch's wireless network is available on the MCFL YouTube channel.

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.

• Click on the Make a Reservation button.
• Select a library location, and then click on the Reserve a PC button.
• Enter your library card number and PIN.
• Select the area where you wish to reserve a computer (options include 20 minutes, 30 minutes or one hour computers).
• Select the date and time for your reservation, and click on the Submit button.
• Review the PC number and date/time, and if everything is ok, click on the Accept button.
• The next screen will verify that your reservation is confirmed
• To view or cancel a reservation, click on the Manage Existing Reservations button.

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.

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.