This page answers some common questions about using computers at the Library.

How do I use a computer at the Library?

How do I book a computer in advance?

How do I log on to a computer?

Can I use email at the Library?

What is not available on Library computers? Please see our Computer and Internet Use Policy.

How do I open or save my files?

How do I use a computer at the Library?

• Your library membership card gives you free access to computers and Internet access.*
• You need your library barcode and pin number (usually the last four digits of your telephone number).
• Visitors without a card may use an Express computer for 15 minutes at any library, or ask staff for a one-time use card for up to 60 minutes of use.
• If you have a library card you can use the computers for 90 minutes a day. This total includes use at any branch in the system.
• The Library has 30 and 60 minute computers available.
• If you have a card you can book a computer up to seven calendar days in advance. Click here for instructions.
• Resources on the computers include Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint software, and Internet access.

*There is a cost for printing (Click here for more information).

BACK

• To make your booking go to any computer that has the library catalogue or the Winnipeg Public Library site.
• From the Book a Library Computer page, click on the blue Book a Library Computer box.
• Type in your 14-digit library card number and your four-digit PIN number
• Select a branch from the dropdown menu.
• Click on Search by PC Type.
• Use the dropdown menus to select the PC Type and the date you want to use the computer.
• Remember you can book only seven calendar days in advance.
• When you have made your choices, click Search.
• You will see a list of available times.
• To book the computer, click on the word "available" beside the time you want.
• You will receive a message : The booking was successful.
• Click OK.
• You will see the Booking Confirmation Screen. Remember to write down the Workstation Name so you can locate the computer.

BACK

How do I log on to a computer?

If you have booked a computer in advance, follow these instructions. If no one has booked a computer, you are free to walk up and log in using these instructions.

• Enter your 14-digit library barcode number and four-digit PIN number in the space provided.
• A box will appear with a number of options.
• Select any of the Microsoft Office programs or choose the Internet.
• Click on your choice. Once you have clicked, the selected item will open in a window.
• If you want to use both a Microsoft Office program and the Internet, select one option, minimize your window and then select your second option. Toggle back and forth by maximizing or minimizing your windows.
• If you walk away from your computer for more than five minutes, you will be logged out. You can lock your computer in stand-by mode for 10 minutes.
• When your session expires, as long as there is time available on your station and you still have a portion of your 90-minute total available, you may be given the option to extend your session by up to 30 minutes.
• If you finish your session early, you will need to log out.

BACK

Can I use email at the Library?

• Winnipeg Public Library is not an Internet Service Provider (ISP) and does not provide or administer customer email accounts.
• Free web-based email accounts may be used on the computers with Internet access at the Library.
• Click here for a list of sites on the Internet where you can set up a free email account.
• Limited assistance may be available to help customers in setting up and using these accounts.

BACK

How do I open or save my files?

• Microsoft Office files may be opened from or saved to 3.5 inch disks, thumb or flash drives and web-based email accounts.
• Filed cannot be saved to or opened from from a CD.
• Files created using Word Perfect cannot be opened, unless they have been saved as an RTF or TXT file.
• Files may be opened from or saved to thumb / flash drives and 3.5 inch discs (bring your own). Please ask at the desk for a portable 3.5 inch disc drive that can be attached to a USB cable.
• Files can be save to the computer's temporary "Word" folder and attached to an email message in a web-based email account. You must provide your own email account.
• Any files save to the computer's temporary "Word" folder will be deleted after you log out.
• To use a thumb / flash drive, plug it into the USB cable provided. To use a 3.5 inch disc, insert it into 3.5 inch disk drive. Wait a few moments for the computer to read the drive.
• If you have an MS Word document, Excel file or Powerpoint presentation stored on your disk or thumb / flash drive, open the program first and then open your document through the program. To do this, click the file tab at the top left of the screen and select open. When you click open you will be given the choice of where to open your file. Select your disc or thumb drive and open your document.

BACK