Wi-Fi
Boston Public Library offers free Wi-Fi. Patrons using wireless devices may access the Library's Internet service at all locations.
Laptops need the following to connect to Wi-Fi:
- A wireless network interface card, 802.11b or later
- A charged battery. Specially designated electrical outlets are available at some, but not all, BPL locations
- Compatible headphones if you plan to listen to music or a video
Please note the library cannot assist you with your device, wireless card, or configuration. The library cannot accept the liability of handling your equipment.
Connecting to Wi-Fi
Step 1 — Use your wireless connection utility to connect to the wireless network named BostonPublicLibrary.
Step 2 — Open your web browser and try to browse any website. You will be redirected to the login page. You will then be asked to accept the library's Internet Policy and Guidelines, opens a new window. Once you have done this, the Library's home page will come up and you are ready to use our wireless system.
Step 3 — If you are still unable to connect to Wi-Fi:
- Ensure that your wireless network card is set to DHCP or automatic and does not have a static or manual IP address.
- Smartphones, tablets, E-readers need to open a browser to logon to Wi-Fi before attempting to use any other app.
- On smartphones and LTE tablets: personal hotspot or tethering MUST BE DISABLED.
Instructions for specific operating systems are below:
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Public Computers
Boston Public Library offers desktop computers in addition to the laptops available in every branch. Please note:
- A library card or visitor account is necessary for some computer use.
- If you are doing subject-specific research in some Central Library research departments, you must sign in with Library staff before using an Internet computer; a library or visitor's card is necessary for computer use.
- You may print documents using library computers.
- Users are required to adhere to any posted use or time limitations.
Laptop Lending
Every Boston Public Library location, except the Central Library in Copley Square, has laptops available for library card holders to borrow for up to 2 hours of in-library use.
Please read the Laptop Lending borrowing guidelines and contract (PDF) for more information:
Computer Instruction
A city-wide instruction initiative, in collaboration with the Boston Housing Authority and the Boston Centers for Youth and Family, is offered at every library branch and at other sites around the city. Computer instruction labs are located at the Central Library in Copley Square. Instruction at all other locations is on library laptops (also available for in-library use).
See more information about computer classes and technology instruction at the Boston Public Library.
Printing
Boston Public Library offers printing services from its desktop public computers, or from a personal device.
Policies
Boston Public Library does not monitor Internet use, has no control over the information accessed through the Internet, and cannot be held responsible for its content. The Internet may contain material of a controversial nature. Boston Public Library complies with the federal Children’s Internet Protection Act which requires the use of filtering software for adults, teens and children. Filtering software may not block all material users might find offensive. Parents may give their children approval to use unfiltered computers for bona fide research or other lawful purposes. Parents are encouraged to supervise their children’s Internet sessions.
Using Technology in the Library FAQs
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- Scanning: $0.05
- Black & white prints and copies: $0.20 per side
- Color prints and copies: $0.60 per side
If you have a library card, your account will automatically be set to a balance of $20 worth of free printing on the first of the month. If additional prints are needed, please add money to your library card. Any additional funds will stay on your card indefinitely and be available to use if you run out of free prints or need to pay fines.
To add funds with cash, use a Red Kiosk located near one of our printers. Please note, you must deposit at least $1 per transaction on your library card or on your Pay4Print account. Add money to your Pay4Print account to print out the number of pages you need.
You can also manage your print funds by logging into PrintCenter.BPL.org using your library card number and PIN. You can securely add funds via a PayPal transaction, either using PayPal funds or a variety of credit and debit cards.
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The BPL offers wireless connections to the Library's Internet service in all of our locations.
Look for the WiFi network BostonPublicLibrary and connect via your device's procedure for WiFi connection. Launch your browser, accept the security certificate to begin using the network.
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Our accessible workstations in Tech Central at the Central Library can be reserved in advance by patrons who need them by phone at 617.859.2255.
Otherwise, we don’t offer off-site reservation of our computers. To get into the queue on-site, use the sign-in station.
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Yes, you can learn more on our Printing at the BPL webpage or see the below information.
Print from a Personal Device
Requirements
Patrons and guests no longer need to connect to BPL WiFi in order to access Print Center.
*Note: If you do not have a library card, you can sign up for a Self-Service Print account. Please see a staff member or our Guest Passes Guide if you need assistance.
See the Self-Service Account PDF Guide.
Getting Started
Open your web browser and go to PrintCenter.BPL.org. Log in with your library card and PIN, or create a guest MobilePrint account. Guest MobilePrint accounts start with a courtesy $1 balance, after which you will need to add funds via PayPal, credit, or debit card.
Uploading to Print Queue via PrintCenter.BPL.org
Upload documents to the print queue by clicking on the Upload button. Select the file that you would like to print. Once uploaded, you can select the document and modify the print settings such as whether to print in black and white or color, only print a selection of pages, etc.
You can also manage your print funds and can securely add funds via a PayPal transaction, either using PayPal funds or a variety of credit and debit cards.
Picking up your prints
When you are ready to pick up your prints, go to a Release Station (the desktop computer located next to the printer) or the printer and log in with your library card number, visitor pass, or kiosk account.
On the Release Station click on the Print icon and click on the file you want to print. Use CTRL+Click to select multiple files.
On the printer, choose the Print Release icon. From the list, select the file you one to print by tapping on it and choose the Print button. To print all files in the list, select the Print All button.
Print Using an iPhone App
If you plan to print at the library frequently, we recommend the Pharos Print app, which takes a few minutes to install and set up but streamlines the process.
See the Personal Device PDF Guide.
*If you do not print frequently, you can use PrintCenter.BPL.org on your mobile device to upload documents to the print queue. Follow the directions in the section to the left for printing from a laptop.
Requirements
You will need a library card and a mobile device running Apple iOS 13.0 or later. On the device, you can submit documents to print by using the Open In and Share (iOS) command.
*Note: If you do not have a library card, follow the directions in the section for printing from a laptop, using a Self-Service Print Account.
Getting Started
- Download the Pharos Print app from the Apple app store or the Google Play app store.
- Verify that you are connected to the Boston Public Library network (see Instructions) and have accepted the terms and conditions.
- Start the Pharos Print app.
- Enter the following server address and port number:
- Server Address: mobileprint.bpl.org
- Port Number: 443
- Press Connect - The Pharos Print app will connect to the Pharos server and display a log on screen.
- Enter your library card number and PIN, and then press Log On. You can then begin using the app and more easily send photos and documents to your print queue.
Uploading to Print Queue via App
- Navigate to the file you would like to print
- Tap Options -> Share -> Pharos Print
- Confirm popup message by tapping Print
- You will see confirmation that the print job has been updated
Picking Up Your Prints
When you are ready to pick up your prints, go to a Release Station (the desktop computer located next to the printer) or the printer and log in with your library card number, visitor pass, or kiosk account.
On the Release Station click on the Print icon and click on the file you want to print. Use CTRL+Click to select multiple files.
On the printer, choose the Print Release icon. From the list, select the file you one to print by tapping on it and choose the Print button. To print all files in the list, select the Print All button.
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For help with your device, you can contact your local library to see if you can schedule a one-on-one session or attend a class for help using our services on your device. If you need technical support for your device, we can help you find where to get it.
To see a list of our upcoming technology classes on particular devices and software, check our calendar for details.
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To borrow a laptop, present your library card. (You can use an ID if you don’t have your library card with you.) Library staff will ask to verify your address, either verbally or with an ID.
If the address matches your borrower record, the laptop will be checked out to your card. If your address is incorrect in our system, you will be required to provide an ID so we may update it.
Out-of-state residents and patrons without a library card will be directed to a desktop computer.
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Computer use is limited to two hours per day, but time will be extended up to four hours if no other patrons are waiting. In addition, some locations have express computers available that do not require a library card or guest pass but are limited to fifteen minutes of use.
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We provide a five-minute grace period on computer reservations. If you’re later than five minutes, you’ll need to make a new reservation.
