Computers & Technology
To learn more about our Computer Equipment Policy & Guidelines for the Public click here.
Click here to read the MPPL Internet Service policy.
Special Computer Services:
- Chromebook/Hotspot Bundle: The library offers Chromebooks with hotspots for two weeks to use at home. Basic setup instructions for use available in English and Spanish.
- Hotspots: The library offers hotspots for two weeks. Use the app or call the library to place a hold. Basic setup instructions included.
- Mac Studio Computers: The Main Library has two Mac Studio computers for digital creative work. Click Here to learn more.
Computers at the Main Library:
- The library provides more than 50 public computers and 3 express (Internet only). Computers are available for adults, teens, and kids.
- In Youth, there are 6 iPads and 4 laptops at the Youth Services desk.
- Several catalog-only computers are scattered throughout the library for convenient searching of our collection.
- One computer is set aside in the genealogy area for quiet research.
- We also provide a large text/screen reader computer, loaded with the Jaws program.
Computers at South Branch:
- Our South Branch location provides 6 public computers available for adults, teens, and kids.
In-House Laptop Lending
The Mount Prospect Public Library offers PC and Mac laptops for checkout and use in the library building.
Laptops are checked out with a mouse and charging cable, and offer a variety of software including web browsers, MS Office, and Zoom.
Procedures
- Mac and PC laptops are available for checkout from the Research desk; PC laptops are available at the Youth and South Branch desks.
- Patrons must have a library card that is current and in good standing in the library’s system. To check out a laptop, you must show your library card or photo ID.
- The laptop checkout period is 2 hours in the Main Library and 1 hour at the South Branch.
- One laptop may be checked out on a library card.
- Laptops may not leave the library premises and must be returned by 15 minutes before closing time.
- Please do not leave laptops unattended.
- Patrons who use library laptops are subject to the library’s Internet Service Policy and Circulation Policy.
Printing and Copies: Pay by Cash or Credit Card
Printing and copying are available at the Main Library and South Branch.
Printers and printing costs:
- Black/white: $.10/page
- Duplex/two-sided black/white: $ .15/page
- Color printer: $.25/page
- Duplex/two-sided color: $ .40/page
Copiers and copy costs:
- Black/white: $.10/page
- Duplex/two-sided black/white: $ .15/page
- Color printer: $.25/page
- Duplex/two-sided color: $ .40/page
Fax or Scan on our SimpleScan
- Our SimpleScans can be used to scan or fax documents following the step-by-step directions on the touchscreen. They can be found at the Main Library by the second floor copiers, and at South Branch.
- Scanned documents can be saved to a USB/flash drive, emailed, or printed. There is no charge for scans; the usual print charges apply to printed scans.
- Faxes cannot be received at the library.
- For any additional information, please ask at the Public Service Desks.
Other equipment:
- Typewriters: One at the Main Library
- Microfiche/Microfilm Readers with Printers: One at the Main Library
- If you bring in your own equipment, the library provides outlets, desks, and WiFi (public wireless internet) at both the Main Library and South Branch..
3-D Printing

Mount Prospect Public Library strives to connect people to resources that spark innovation within their lives. We provide access to the FlashForge Creator Pro 2 to engage the community with new and emerging technologies.
Using Our 3-D Printers
To use our 3-D printers, please fill out the submission form below.
- Print jobs must be submitted using the form below.
- Must be an MPPL cardholder.
- For patrons under 18 years of age, permission from a parent or guardian is required. A parent or guardian may confirm permission in person, over the phone, by email, or in the comments section of a submission.
- If submission exceeds maximum build size or time, files will be scaled.
- Items can only be printed in one color.
- Filament of the same color sometimes sport subtle variations in pigment.
- Contact us with questions or issues: 3dprinting@mppl.org.
Guidelines
Due to high demand, the 3D printing submission rules have changed and will now be placed into slots that are first come, first serve.
- Patrons may submit a total of 3 submissions per month, and there will be 3 slots available per week. If a patron submits more than one submission at a time, these submissions will be spread into one slot per week over the course of three weeks.
- Print time will not exceed 8 hours.
- We will not print illegal, inappropriate, potentially dangerous items, or items that violate copyright laws.
- If the model fails to print or requires editing, patrons will be contacted to edit and resubmit their designs. Patrons will not be charged for failed or incomplete print jobs.
- Patrons can contact staff for the cost of printing and estimated completion time.
- Patrons will receive notification when the print job is completed.
- Items will be available for pick up at the Registration Desk. Production times may be up to a week or longer.
- Items must be picked up within 2 weeks. Items that are not picked up become property of the library and may be recycled. Patrons will be charged for the items.
- See complete guidelines: 3-D Printer Guidelines
Cost
The cost of 3D printing submissions is $1.00, plus $0.10 per yard. Please review the guidelines above.
Colors

3D Printing Submission Form
Resources
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software
Free .STL Files
Some sites require a free account.
Note: Some free designs may not print properly. It is recommended that you inspect them in a CAD software before submitting.
- Thingiverse
- Pinshape
- GrabCAD
- YouMagine
- Yeggi
- My Mini Factory
- Smithsonian X 3D— Iconic Smithsonian collection objects
- NASA 3D Resources— 3D models, textures, and images from inside NASA