Meriden Public Library offers free wifi to use your laptop, library computers you may access with your library card, and computer classes if you need help with the computer.
Computer classes for adults are offered at MPL. Four different areas are covered in 45 minute sessions offered Monday evenings and Saturday mornings.
- Basic computer skills details the introductory skills that are needed to use computers including use of the mouse, basic computer terminology and keyboarding.
- Introduction to Microsoft Word teaches how to use Word to type, save and print a one page document. Some formatting skills, such as spacing and changing of font type and size, are covered as well.
- Introduction to Internet Searching gives participants a framework for locating information on the Internet efficiently and accurately.
- Beginning Email helps participant’s sign up for an email account with Yahoo.com and guides them through the process of writing and sending an email and opening a received email.
Individual help sessions to work on specific problems and projects can be scheduled by calling Jerry at the Information Desk (203-238-2347). Future topics planned for the Spring of 2011 include Internet job searching, using MPL online databases, and Advanced Microsoft Word and Excel.
Computer Tutoring in Spanish is offered regularly. Check the calendar for the next class date.
The library has free wifi. If you need to print, just follow Instructions for printing from your laptop (PDF) Contact the staff at the Information Desk if you need help.
HOURS
The Kiwanis Computer Center is open Monday to Wednesday 9:30 am to 8:10 pm and Thursday & Saturday 9:30 am to 4:40 pm. Note: Computers will shut down 20 minutes prior to Library Closing.
FEES AND REQUIREMENTS
If you print it is $.15 per page for black & white and $.25 per page for color.
All users must have a public library card with a 14 digit barcode. Meriden Residents, who do not have a card with a 14 digit barcode, please see Information Desk to get a guest pass or Circulation to purchase a new card for $1. Non-Residents may use their library cards from their hometown library. Please see Reference staff if you do not have a 14 digit barcode or if you are visiting from out of state and do not have a card.
The library cannot guarantee successful connections during Internet use.
USAGE GUIDELINES
Patrons are limited to 120 minutes of computer use per day. This limit includes the time required for saving and printing files.
No more than 1 person is allowed per terminal unless authorized by staff.
Printing costs $.15 per page for white copy paper. Users may bring their own paper, but still must pay $.15 per copy (black & white) and $.25 per copy (color).
It is recommended that users save their work to a flash drive, CD-R or CD-RW. Any files saved to the hard drive will be erased. Flash drives are available for $5.00. Users are welcome to bring their own storage media.
The library provides free access to the Internet. MPL does not monitor or control the material content available on the Internet, as it does not limit shelf access to print materials. While some of the information is of high quality, inevitably some material may be less accurate, authoritative, appropriate, or may be difficult to retrieve.
MPL Internet access shall not be used to receive, send, or view material in which the content or meaning is likely to be deemed obscene, abusive, or offensive. Accessing chat rooms or instant messenger is not allowed.
VIOLATIONS OF THESE GUIDELINES WILL RESULT IN LOSS OF ALL COMPUTER PRIVILEGES.
Users must be familiar with computers and how to use them. Books are available for users to consult for basic instruction and help. There are tutorials covering the Microsoft Office Suite, Internet Explorer, and mouse on each terminal in the Computer Center. Classes are offered periodically for beginning users. Individual instruction by staff is not available.
