Find Tech Resources @ PFPL
Public Computers
The Pottsville Free Public Library has 16 public computers that are free to use! With 10 computers in the Reference Department and 6 in the Youth Services Department, there are plenty for our patrons to access the internet or use Microsoft Office programs for school or work. All you need is a valid Pottsville Free Public Library card in good standing. Computers are assigned at the Circulation Desk. There is a one-hour time limit if others are waiting to use a computer. Public computers do not have speakers so you will need to bring your own headphones or earbuds to plug in and watch videos.
For those with visual impairments, one of the computers in the Reference Department has a larger monitor so everything can be made bigger, as well as JAWS screen reading software. We also have a high-contrast keyboard which can be used instead of the regular keyboard, and two alternatives to a computer mouse for those with dexterity concerns.
Printing at the Library
All of the public computers are connected to a color laser printer. Use the print function on the computer, then pick up and pay for the print at the Circulation Desk.
Need to print from your phone or laptop? Email the file to the Pottsville Free Public Library at pottref@gmail.com, then pick up the printouts at the Circulation Desk.
Black & white prints are 25 cents per page; color prints are 50 cents per page. Files need to be ready to print as they are: library staff are not able to convert them or combine multiple images onto a single page.
Photocopying and Scanning at the Library
Need to make some copies or scan a document? The photocopier near the Circulation Desk can make copies up to legal size for 25 cents per page (black and white only). It can also scan documents up to 11″x17″ to save onto a flash drive for 25 cents per page. Flash drives are available for purchase at the Circulation Desk.
Faxing at the Library
Need to send a fax? Local or toll-free numbers are $2 for the first page and $1 per additional page. Long distance numbers are $3 for the first page and $1 per additional page. (Sorry, we are not able to send international faxes.)
Need to receive a fax? Incoming faxes are $1 per page. The Pottsville Free Public Library fax number is 570-622-2157.
Talk to the staff at the Circulation Desk to use this service.
Wireless Network
The wireless network is available in all public areas of the Pottsville Free Public Library as well as outside the building. From the list of available networks select “PottsvilleLibraryWireless” and enter the password “ReadMoreBooks”.
The wireless network does not connect with the Library’s printers. To print something from a mobile device, please email it to pottref@gmail.com, then pick up the printouts at the Circulation Desk.
Tech Available to Borrow
Wireless Hotspot
$20 for 2 week loan period
Kindle Fire 7 Tablet
3 week loan period
Samsung Galaxy Chromebook
$20 for 2 week rental period
Getting Help with Affordable Tech
NOTE: The ACP was forced to stop accepting new applications for this program in February 2024. Because Congress did not provide additional funding, this program ended as of June 1, 2024. See https://www.fcc.gov/acp for more information.
If you took part in the ACP program, you should have received a letter from your internet provider. Some companies offer lower-tier, less expensive plans that you may be able to afford now that the ACP has ended.
These providers in the Pottsville area took part in the ACP and may have plans you can afford:
Comcast (Xfinity); 800-XFINITY; www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/acp
Hughes Networks Systems, LLC (satellite); 844-737-2700; www.hughesnet.com
Verizon Wireless; 800-922-0204; www.verizon.com/home/free-verizon-internet/
Viasat (satellite); 855-463-9333; www.viasat.com/acp
Getting Help with Using Tech
Need to learn the basics of using a computer or other common mobile devices? These websites can help you get started with the basics. Know some things but want to learn more? They can help with that, too.
Basics of Using a Computer:
DigitalLearn.org (short courses from the Public Library Association)
Computer Basics (series of YouTube videos to walk through basic concepts and skills)
Peter’s Online Typing Course (typing lessons, practice and exercises, and ways to increase your speed)
TurtleDiary Typing Lessons (typing lessons, practice and games for kids)
TypingClub (typing skills tutorials for adults and kids)
Go beyond basics to learn more about social media and software:
Find eBooks through the POWER Library to do a deep dive on technology.
Digital and Internet Safety (learn how to protect yourself and your computer while online)
GCFGlobal (tutorials on different versions of common software)
Tech Life Unity (largest variety of tutorials on social media and online services)
Get Even More Basic:
LINCS Learner Center offers help with more basic topics for adults, such as learning to read, do math, get job skills, or become a U.S. citizen.
PA SkillUp provides access to free, online job skills training to Pennsylvania residents, using a free PA CareerLink account.
Have Questions?
Contact the library today with any questions or concerns you might have about library services or collections.
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