Computers and technology

Use a computer or free Wi-Fi at any of our libraries; build skills through online tutorials and events at the library.

Using library computers

Computer use is currently available at selected libraries.

Filtering software is used to filter out proxy sites, sites that pose a security risk to the network, and obscene materials as defined by Minnesota Statute 617.241, in accordance with the library’s Internet Public Use Policy. In some cases, patrons may request that the content filter be disabled. Ask library staff for assistance.

Available on library computers

Office 2016

Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher, Access

Media tools

ArtRage 2 Starter Edition, Audacity, Blender (3D creation software), GIMP (sophisticated graphics software), Scribus (desktop publishing software), Tux Paint

Downloading

Download and save to USB drive or burn to CD/DVD.

Global Writer - multilingual word processing

Type in many different languages. Available at these libraries:

Copy, print, scan

We are temporarily not charging fees for printing or copying in an effort to limit handling of cash.

Copy

Coin-operated copiers (black and white only) are available at all libraries.
Cost per page (cash only) – 10¢

Print

Cost per page (cash only):

Black and white – 10¢
Color – 50¢

Scan

Scanners are available at all Hennepin County libraries.

Microform reader/printers

Brookdale, Minneapolis Central, Ridgedale, and Southdale libraries have microfilm and microfiche readers available.

Wi-Fi at the library

Hennepin County Library offers free wireless Internet access at all library locations when the library is open.

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Most users can simply bring their wireless-enabled device to the library and turn it on.
The device will automatically recognize the wireless network, and a message will appear on your screen indicating that a wireless network called "HCL_Public" is available.
Open your web browser.
A greeting screen will appear (in place of your home page) asking you to abide by the Library's Internet Public Use Policy.
Click on "I Agree" and you can begin using Wi-Fi. No password is needed.

Please note: The library cannot guarantee that your equipment will work with the library network.

Use DHCP
No Proxy
No Bridging
Disable WEP encryption

Please note: We are unable to support the 802.11 protocol.

Can your device “see” the network?

If not, make sure your device’s wireless is turned on and that you are trying to connect to the network named HCL_Public.

Have you opened a browser?

You need to get the Internet Use Policy page to load in a browser and select “I Agree” to fully connect to the library’s wireless network.

Are you having trouble getting the Internet Use Policy page to load?

If you've connected to the network and opened a browser, but the Internet Use Policy is not loading, then try navigating to http://www.hclib.org . This will often kick-start the Internet Use Policy page to load.

Have you tried all of the above but are still having trouble connecting?

If you have tried the above steps and are still having problems, then try disconnecting from the network and restarting your device. This often solves connection issues.

Wireless printing is available at all libraries, except Long Lake, Osseo and St. Bonifacius.

Cost per page (cash only):

Black and white – 10¢
Color – 50¢

Wireless printing: PC

Wireless printing: Mac

Wireless printing: Mobile device

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Assistive technology

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MAGic

MAGic is a magnification and speech program for low vision users. MAGic can magnify the screen up to 16 times the original size and "talks" to the user, repeating commands and helping to navigate the screen.

Available for use at all Hennepin County libraries.

OpenBook

OpenBook is an optical character recognition (OCR) software which allows a user to scan mail, books, articles, or printed microform to an application which reads it.

Available for use on computers with scanners at all Hennepin County libraries.

JAWS for Windows

JAWS for Windows is a screen reader. Designed for people who are blind, it allows users to access hyperlinks and content on a webpage.

Available for use at all Hennepin County libraries.

Assistive listening system

This audio system is designed for use in large group meeting settings. It includes a microphone and up to six individual listening devices, which are worn by users and amplify the speaker’s voice. Patrons reserving library meeting rooms can request this system when they make their room reservations.

Available for use at all Hennepin County libraries.

PockeTalker Ultra

A personal listening device that amplifies sounds closest to the listener while reducing background noise.

Available for use at all Hennepin County libraries.

Concerto SoundClear Personal Sound Amplifier

Amplifier is perfect for meetings, watching television, socializing, one- to-one conversations.

Available in the Assistive Technology Lab at Minneapolis Central Library.

Folding lighted magnifier

A handheld magnifier that features a 2X magnification lens with an extra-wide field of vision with a built-in light.

Available for use at all Hennepin County libraries.

High Definition Handheld Portable Magnifier with HD Camera

Provides a crisp, colorful HD picture. Easily reads news, prescriptions, library materials, and allows user to take magnified photos for later reference.

Available in the Assistive Technology Lab at Minneapolis Central Library.

A standard keyboard with large black letters on yellow keys, designed for use by low vision users.

Available for use at all Hennepin County libraries.

An ergonomic mouse that uses less arm movement than a conventional mouse. The user rolls a trackball with the thumb, fingers, or the palm of the hand to move the cursor. Can be used with either left or right hand.

Available for use at all Hennepin County libraries.

A Z-phone that uses video relay service is available at Minneapolis Central Library for library customers who use ASL (American Sign Language) to make calls within the library or outside the building. The phone is available when the library is open and can be requested at the Fiction/Media Desk. The video relay service uses VOIP (voice over Internet protocol) and a high quality video camera with certified interpreters and is provided at no cost to qualified people through Federal Communication Commission funding.

Available in the Assistive Technology Lab at Minneapolis Central Library.

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Assistive Technology Lab

Located on the first floor of Minneapolis Central Library, the lab has workstations with 21-inch monitors and scanners. Software available for users with vision loss includes JAWS, Open Book, and MAGic for screen magnification. Other adaptive technology includes Dragon Naturally Speaking, Talking Typer, Kurzweil 3000, OCR scanners and many devices, including various keyboards, mice and trackballs, adjustable height tables, pocket talker and zPhone.

More about the Assistive Technology Lab

Other technology

Energy meters

Easy-to-use Power Check energy meters from Xcel Energy can be checked out for three weeks from Hennepin County Library.

The energy meters can be plugged into any standard 120-volt electric appliance to measure voltage, electricity cost, and electric consumption. They come with home energy assessment instructions, worksheets, money-saving energy tips, and information about rebates and incentive programs.

The meters will help you:

Identify high energy use appliances in your home.
Determine how much it costs to use appliances.
Predict your savings in reducing appliance use.
Calculate the cost-savings of replacing older equipment with energy-efficient models.
Identify "energy vampires" - appliances that use energy when switched off.

See the Xcel Energy website for instructions for using the meter in English, Hmong, and Spanish, as well as an instructional video.

Online resources

CustomGuide

Interactive, guided tutorials including computer basics and operating systems and software from Microsoft and Mac.

LearningExpress Library

Resources for basic computer and academic skill building, job preparation, and career advancement. Includes interactive tutorials, online books, and test preparation tools for GED, SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and military and occupational exams.

Lynda.com

Top-quality video tutorials taught by recognized industry experts. Lessons are for all skill levels and include a wide variety of topic areas including business skills and software, web design and development, music, photo, and video editing, and 3D design and animation.

Typing Quest

Self-paced online typing course with drills, speed tests, and games.

Events