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

3-D printer

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

Colors for 3D printing: red, white PLA, white ABS, Black PLA, black ABS, glow in the dark, rainbow, fire, ice, gold, grey, blue, purple, pink, green, orange.

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.