Prince William Public Libraries

CHROMEBOOK LENDING

Chromebooks are available through the online catalog. Chromebooks are loaned out for a three-week period. Patrons must have their Prince William Public Libraries card with them when checking out a Chromebook. 

Note: Chromebooks are not connected to the internet. If you need internet, you can also checkout a Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspot (below) or use the free Wi-Fi available at any branch location, including 24/7 access in the parking lots.

If you have checked out a Chromebook, please view the Chromebook Tutorial | Tutorial de Chromebook en español.

 

MOBILE WI-FI HOTSPOT LENDING

Access the internet at home or on the go by checking out a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot through the online catalog. Hotspots are loaned out for a three-week period. Patrons must have their Prince William Public Libraries card with them when checking out a mobile hotspot and they may only check out one hotspot per household.

 

FREE PUBLIC COMPUTER ACCESS 

Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL) offers patrons a number of free public computer access stations at multiple locations. In addition, PWPL provides free wireless access AT ALL LIBRARY BRANCHES.

Visit our Locations page to locate the closest computer station to you. It is important that you read and accept PWPL's Library Internet Acceptable Use Policy before using the device.

Library patrons must have their own equipment, wireless card, and any software needed to access the network. Wi-Fi internet access is provided both inside all library branches during operating hours and surrounding parking lots 24/7. A patron's use of the service indicates acceptance of, and agreement to abide by, PWPL's Library Wireless Network Access Policy.

 

Wireless Network Access Tips

It is recommended that users disable Wi-Fi Ad-Hoc mode and only connect using Infrastructure Mode. This will prevent their machine from connecting to an unknown computer.

If a patron has to use a credit card or enter passwords, they are encouraged to make sure the website is using SSL. It will have a padlock icon on their browser's right-hand corner as well as a HTTPS:// in the address.

To access the network, the patron will need a laptop, portable or mobile device with a Wi-Fi compliant wireless network interface along with the appropriate software installed and properly configured. The network name is PWC-Public.

While operating systems vary, patrons should generally be able to “scan the wireless network” and then connect to the PWC-Public network. Once they have successfully connected, they should be able to start surfing the Internet.

For specific information about how to configure a device and scan for the network, the user will need to refer to the device and operating system documentation.

Through SmartALEC library cardholders can print wirelessly to library printers from their computer, laptop, tablet, phone, or other mobile device. Once the patron creates an account in SmartALEC using their library card number and pin/password, they can submit a print job, then pick up the job from a library print release station. Upload documents from any location and device. Read more about SmartALEC mobile printing.