Central Library: Tech Central
Boylston Street Building, First Floor
Tech Central currently offers 40 Windows PCs. Computer use is limited to two hours per day, but time will be extended up to four hours if no other patrons are waiting. A valid library card is required to reserve a computer, patrons without a library card may see a staff member and receive a guest pass. Each computer is loaded with Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Reader, and Google Chrome.
In addition, there are 5 express computers available that do not require a library card or guest pass but are limited to fifteen minutes of use.
Tech Central also has an adaptive workstation. View more information on accessibility resources and services at the BPL.
You can call ahead with any questions regarding Tech Central’s adaptive station at 617.859.2255.
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.
