Computers and technology

• 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

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.