Computer & Internet Services

Take advantage of our many free Internet-connected public computers, available at both branches. Simply login using your library card number. Out-of-town visitors may sign in with valid ID.

Computers are available on a first-come-first-served basis (unless reserved through our pre-book system, available in the library only). You are welcome to use one hour per day.

Please note: the public computers are not available on Sundays. However, Wi-fi service is available.

Adult Computers

Check your email, work on your resume, do research or just surf the Net. The computers are Linux-based, and use Mozilla Firefox for Internet browsing. In addition, they are equipped with OpenOffice software for word processing, spreadsheets, and much more. Users may bring in USB flash drives for data storage. Printing is available at 25 cents per page.

Children under the age of 14 may use these computers with adult supervision. However, they are also welcome to use the filtered computers in the Children’s Department.

Children’s Computers

The Children’s Department (at Main Branch) now has 4 computers equipped with Internet filtering for children. (If children under 14 require unfiltered access to the Internet, they may use the Adult computers with constant parent/guardian supervision.)

In addition there are 2 “walled garden” computers for younger children. These computers have strictly controlled Internet access to educational and instructional websites.

Wireless

Users may bring in their own portable devices and access one of the library’s two wireless networks (secure and unsecure). As with the public computers, users login using their library card number.

Please Note: All users of internet access must abide by the Library's Acceptable Use Policy.

FAQs

Can I print?
Printing is available for 25 cents per page. We do not have a colour printer.

I don’t have a library card—can I use the computers?
Out-of-town guests may use the public computers upon presentation of valid identification. Peterborough residents are asked to obtain a library card (for free) and sign on with their library card number.

Why can’t I use a floppy disk?
Floppy drives are becoming more difficult to support, and are often unreliable. As the cost of USB flash drives has decreased, we are asking patrons to use these devices instead of floppy disks.

Why can I only use the computers for an hour a day?
The computers are very popular. In order to ensure equitable access to the computers, we limit usage to one hour. If you need more time to work on a resume or job searching, Peterborough Employment Resource Centre (178 Charlotte St.) also has computers available for this use.

How long can I logon to wireless?
Wireless use is unlimited, as users bring their own computers.

Why can’t we use the computers on Sundays?
Unfortunately, City of Peterborough resources do not allow us to provide this service during all opening hours. The library is staffed at a minimum level on Sundays, which prevents us from offering a full level of support to monitor and assist patrons with computer use in addition to regular Information Desk duties.