Computers and Equipment
All of our locations offer free access to computers you can use to search our online resources, connect to the internet and use popular software, like Microsoft Office. At some branches, you can even use your Library card to borrow a laptop or iPad. You can also use one of our printers, copiers or fax machines for a small fee.
Reserve a Computer
Use your Library card to reserve a computer for up to 90 minutes per day. We also have job search computers you can use for an additional two hours per day on Level 7 at the Central Library. All branches have computers you can use to search our catalog and databases for as long as you like. 15 minute Internet Express computers cannot be reserved.
Need access without a card? You can show photo ID to request a 30-minute guest pass if you don't qualify for a free Library card. Visitors to Seattle and non-residents can buy a temporary Library card. Find out how to get a Library card.
Need a private room with a computer for a video call or online meeting? The Central Library and several branches have rooms with equipment you can use. Find out more about meeting and study rooms and how to reserve one.
FlexTech
FlexTech tablets are temporarily unavailable. We are working to resolve this issue. Thank you for your patience.
Some branches have laptops and tablets you can borrow while you are in the branch, so you can access the internet and our online resources from anywhere inside the building. See which branches have FlexTech: Laptops and FlexTech: Tablets.
Print & Copy
For a small fee, you can print to our printers, make photocopies or send a fax. Scanning is free. We accept cash at any branch.
All of our locations have multifunction machines you can use to print, copy and scan or you can request that we copy a few pages from a book or print publication in our collection with our photocopy request form.
Printing and photocopy fees
| 8.5”x11” or 8.5"x14” | Single-sided | Black and white | $.15 |
| Double-sided | Black and white | $.30 | |
| Single-sided | Color | $.50 | |
| Double-sided | Color | $1 | |
| 11”x 17” | Single-sided | Black and white | $.30 |
| Double-sided | Black and white | $.60 | |
| Single-sided | Color | $1 | |
| Double-sided | Color | $2 |
Printing Options
You can print to our printers from Library computers using the printing interface, or print from your own device—even if you are not in the Library! Using the directions below, send your document to print and then pick it up at any neighborhood branch within four hours. Scan or enter in your library card or ‘Guest Name’ (you can use your email user name — the part before the @ symbol — or any name you will remember) in the ‘library card/webprint user’ field at your branch’s print release station.
Print using email
- For black and white copies, send or forward an email to seattlepl-bw@printspots.com
- For color copies, send or forward an email to seattlepl-color@printspots.com
- Your order will be sent to the printer using the email’s subject line as the name of the print job; email attachments you wish to print will be sent to the printer as a separate document
- You’ll get a confirmation email when we’ve received your print order; pick up your print job at any of our print release stations by entering your email user name (the part before the @ symbol) in the ‘webprint user’ field
Print using a browser
- Go to www.spl.org/wifiprinting
- Under ‘Printer,’ choose ‘Black and White’ or ‘Color’
- Under ‘User Info,’ enter your library card number or ‘Guest Name’
(Use your ‘Guest Name’ to identify yourself when you pick up your print job. You can use your email user name--the part before the @ symbol—or any name you will remember) - Under ‘Select Document’, browse to upload and print a document from your device, or you can copy and paste the address of a web page you wish to print
- Click the gray arrow to continue
- Under ‘Printing Options’, choose the page orientation (‘As Saved’ will print the document in its current format) and number of copies.
- Indicate which pages you wish to print, if not the whole document
- Click the gray arrow to continue
- Review your print job and cost, then click the printer icon to send it to the printer. You will then see a confirmation page with a job reference number
Print using a mobile device
- You can print by email from your mobile device, or download the free PrinterOn app
- Click ‘ No Printer Selected’ to search for a printer
- From the ‘ Printers’ screen, search for Seattle Public Library and select ‘ Black and White’ or ‘ Color’ printer; you can add the printer to your favorites for future use
- Choose which type of document you want to print: a document from your device or the cloud, a photo from your gallery, or a web page
- Open ‘ Print Options’ and choose the number of copies, the pages to print, orientation and paper size, then click ‘ OK’
- Click ‘ Print’ to enter your Library card number or ‘ Guest Name’ (You can use your email user name--the part before the @ symbol—or any name you will remember), then click ‘ OK’ to process your request
Fax & Scan
Fax service fees (at some branches)
| First page | $1 |
| Each additional page | $.50 |
| Fax cover sheet | free |
Faxes may only be sent to fax numbers in the United States, and we are not able to receive faxes for patrons. Fax services are available at Beacon Hill, Columbia, Delridge, High Point, NewHolly, Rainier Beach and South Park branches. If you need help sending a fax, please Ask Us.
Scanning services at the Central Library
Multifunction machines for scanning are available for public use on Levels 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. A USB flash drive is required to save your scans.
Scanning workstations
We have two scanning workstations with 8 ½” x 14” scanners that have film/negative scanning capability on Level 5 Mixing Chamber at the Central Library. You can use them for online faxing and scanning for up to 30 minutes per session.
BookScan stations
We have two BookScan stations available for public use on Levels 9 and 10 at the Central Library. Features include scanning to a USB flash drive, translation services (60 languages) and scanning text to audio.
Microfilm readers
We have four microfilm reader machines available for you to use on Level 9 at the Central Library. We have historic documents and publications available for you to read in this format, and you can request microfilm items from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan.
Internet Access
Wireless Internet Access
We provide free wireless internet access during open hours to anyone with a Wi-Fi-enabled laptop or mobile device at all locations. Learn more about using Wi-Fi.
SPL HotSpot
You can use your Library card to check out and take home an easy-to-use Wi-Fi HotSpot. You can connect up to 15 laptops, tablets or other devices to the internet for free from anywhere with cellular coverage. You can reserve a HotSpot like you would any other item in our catalog and pick it up at your neighborhood branch.
Personal Devices
You are welcome to use your laptop or mobile device at your Library. We ask that you avoid disturbing other patrons and wear headphones when you play audio or video. Please keep your viewing and browsing private by positioning the screen so that others cannot easily see it. If you need to make a phone call, do so in an area where you will not disturb others.
Adaptive Equipment
We have helpful tools available to use in your Library at no charge to make it easier for people with vision, hearing and mobility impairments to use computers.
All branches offer:
- Screen enlarging software (ZoomText)
- Screen magnifying software (XP Magnifier)
- Screen reading software (JAWS)
- An accessibility kit with a variety of magnifiers and writing guides to use in the Library
Some branches and the Central Library offer additional support, including ADA-accessible computers.
If you have a question or need help, Ask Us or call 206-386-4636.