The Pasadena Public Library offers computers at all locations with access to the Internet and other electronic resources as well as word processing and printing. All ten locations also offer wireless internet access to anyone in the building. The following overview describes the library’s technology resources and how best to use them. The resources are available free of charge except where noted. For additional information call a branch library.
Wireless Printing
It’s easy to print to library public printers from your laptop using our wireless network! Install the printing applet using the directions below. After sending your print job(s) to a printer, you can retrieve them from any Print Release Station in your specific library. When retrieving print jobs, users must use cash/coins at printing/copying stations, with the exception of Hastings Branch Library, where a credit/debit card may be used.
System Requirements
- Windows-based laptops
- Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10
- Mac-based laptop (Intel processor only).
- OS X version 10.5.1 – 10.12 (Sierra)
Instructions (Windows Users)
- From the list below, find the appropriate library and click the icon next to the name listed to begin the installation process. Some computers have extra “security” and may require you to click “Run” a second time to confirm the installation.
- Once installed, the “Print Client” will appear at the bottom of your screen in the taskbar. This applet is “memory-resident” and doesn’t install software to your hard drive.
- When you’re ready to print, simply use the buttons (or menus commands) you normally would use in order to print. If you are located at the Central library, select either the “BW Printer” (black & white) or the “Color Printer/Copier” from the list. If you are located at a branch library, then select the “Public Printer” from the list. Black & white printouts are 10 cents per page. Upon the first print, you will be required to enter a “user id” (can be a name or library card number) in order to associate your print jobs to a unique identifier which you will use later when retrieving printouts from a Print Release Station.
- When you are finished with all of your printing needs, close the printing applet window or shutdown your computer and the applet will be removed from your computer automatically.
- NOTE: You will need to re-install the software each time you wish to print while visiting the library.
Instructions (Mac Users)
- From the list below, find the appropriate library and click the icon next to the name listed to begin the installation process. When the .zip has been downloaded, double-click the icon to run the installation..
- Once installed, the “Print Client” will appear at the bottom of your screen in the task tray. This applet is “memory-resident” and doesn’t install software to your hard drive.
- When you’re ready to print, simply use the buttons (or menus commands) you normally would use in order to print. If you are located at the Central library, select either the “BW Printer” (black & white) or the “Color Printer/Copier” from the list. If you are located at a branch library, then select the “Public Printer” from the list. Black & white printouts are 10 cents per page. Upon the first print, you will be required to enter a “user id” (can be a name or library card number) in order to associate your print jobs to a unique identifier which you will use later when retrieving printouts from a Print Release Station.
- When you are finished with all of your printing needs, close the printing applet window or shutdown your computer and the applet will be removed from your computer automatically.
- NOTE: You will need to re-install the software each time you wish to print while visiting the library.
Retrieving Printouts at the Library
For step-by-step instructions please see the “Printing” tab on this page.
Download Print Clients by Location
| Library Location | Windows Users | Mac Users |
| Allendale Branch |  |
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| Hastings Branch | |
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| Hill Avenue Branch | |
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| La Pintoresca Branch | |
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| Lamanda Park Branch | |
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| Linda Vista Branch | |
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| San Rafael Branch | |
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| Santa Catalina Branch | |
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| Villa Parke Branch | |
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Computers
- Internet Use Policies The Library does not monitor and has no control over the information available on the Internet and cannot be held responsible for the content, accuracy, or quality of the information retrieved or images viewed. The Library does not limit access to sites on the Internet or censor information that some may find offensive.
Internet Reservations – You must have a valid Pasadena Public Library Card to reserve an internet session (find out how to apply for a library card). You may begin your Internet session (of at least one hour) at any available Internet workstation, or reserve a session up to seven days in advance at one of the self-serve PC reservation stations. For same day reservations reserve by telephone call (626) 744-4066, option 2, or call a branch library directly. For specific information about the Internet computers available at each location, visit the location’s branch page or call them directly. Internet stations shut off 15 minutes prior to closing. Please review the Library’s Internet Use Policy before signing up.
Technology for Kids – A computer for children is available at each branch library. These computers are equipped with educational software, the Kids’ Catalog for searching library materials, and limited Internet access to sites linked from the library’s homepage (also see the Internet Policy for Kids) and shut off five minutes prior to closing.
Word processing – Word processing is available on all Internet computers at all Branches.
Wireless Access – Wireless Internet access is available at all locations and permits customers with properly equipped laptop computers and other portable computing devices to access the web. You do not need a Pasadena library card or a password to access the library’s wireless services. To connect, simply select the Pasadena City Public WiFi network from the list of networks available on your device.
Chromebooks and Hotspots – The Library offers Chromebooks and Hotspots for checkout. Please find out more at the "Chromebooks and Hotspots" tab on this page: https://www.cityofpasadena.net/library/technology/#chromebooks-hotspots
Chromebooks / Hotspots
Chromebooks and Hotspots -- The Library offers technology to check out and use at home. Chromebooks (small profile laptop computers running Chrome OS, and offering cloud storage) and Hotspots (small devices providing Internet access) are available at all library locations. To borrow a Chromebook and/or a Hotspot:
- Users must have a library card account in good standing
- Borrower must sign a lending agreement in order to borrow these devices. If borrower is under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign the lending agreement. A signed agreement will apply to borrowing devices from any Pasadena Library location.
Chromebooks and Hotspots check out for 4 weeks with one renewal. A maximum of one Chromebook and one Hotspot may be borrowed at a time on a library account. Holds may be placed, and the checkout is for four weeks with one renewal. Chromebooks and Hotspots may be picked up and returned to any Pasadena Library location. They must be returned to staff inside the library building.
- Chromebooks:
- HP Chromebook 11 G6 EE
- Operate on Google OS
- Used primarily on Internet, with applications and documents using cloud-based storage
- Hotspots:
- T10 Franklin Mobile Hotspot
- Established on the T-Mobile 5G network
- Simultaneously supports 15 device connections through built-in Wi-Fi AP
Printing
Print fees are $.10 (ten cents) per page for black and white prints (color printing is currently unavailable) and may be paid for by cash or coin only at all branch locations, with the exception of Hastings Branch Library, where credit/debit card may be used. All print requests are held in the printer queue for 24 hours. Print stations are available until 5 to 15 minutes before closing, depending on location. Check with staff for details, or view the step-by-step instructions below for printing at Central Library.
For instructions on wireless printing at any of our ten locations, please click on the “Wireless Printing” tab at the top of this page.
Where Do I Pick Up My Prints?
To release a print at the Self Service Station:
- Click on Release a Print Job on the Main Menu.
- Enter your Pasadena library card number (no spaces) or temporary I.D. and click OK.
- The system will default to a listing of your unprinted jobs from the past 24 hours.
- Highlight the new print job(s) you wish to output and click Print.
- Click on Pay from Vending Device.
- Insert cash, coin, or card into the vending device and click OK.
How Do I Pay For My Prints?
Printing costs 10¢ per page for black and white prints.
Copying and Other Technology
Copy machines that charge $ .15 (fifteen cents) per copy are available for use at all library branches. Copy machines close five (5) minutes before the Library’s closing time.
Photocopy Machines
- There are black & white copy machines for general photocopy purposes, which accept cash.
- Cost of copies: $ .15 (fifteen cents) per copy
Technology Learning Center
La Pintoresca Branch – This lab is reserved for career, job, and grant funding research (FC Search) Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Special lab hours offering full internet access are reserved for children only Monday – Friday 3 – 5 p.m.