Technology FAQs

  • Computers

    You can use a computer at any library.

    Computers are available for one hour. You may be able to use a computer for up to 4 hours if no one else is waiting. Time limits vary by location.

    Library computers have the following software.

    Microsoft Products:

    • Office 2021
    • Microsoft Windows 10

    PDF Editing Products:

    • Nitro Pro

    The Bellevue and Federal Way Libraries also have access to the following specialty software:

    • Adobe Creative Suite
    • Ableton Creative Tools

    We provide free computer learning help for this and other subjects.

    Save your work to the cloud using a free service like Google Docs or Microsoft OneDrive, or to your personal storage device (e.g., a USB drive).*

    Access files saved to the cloud from any PC with an Internet connection, then export files to more robust desktop software such as Microsoft Word for editing.

    You cannot save files long-term to library computer Desktop or My Documents folders. *Additional (free) cloud services include Dropbox, Box, Google Drive, and iCloud.

    Reserve a computer online. Or, call your library and ask staff to reserve a computer for you.

    If a computer you've reserved is not being used when you arrive, you can log in and start your session early.

    Reservations are automatically made for the next available computer. You can choose to make one for a specific time.

    Extend your session time.
    If no one else has reserved the computer you're using, you can extend your session time.
    Click to accept the 15-minute extensions offered by the software. You might be able to get up to 240 minutes in a day if no one else reserves it but extended time is not guaranteed.

    Take a break without losing your session.
    You can lock a computer for a short time without losing your session. Log in with your PIN to unlock the computer.

  • Copiers, Fax Machines, and Scanners

    You have a limit of $5.00 each week in your library card's print allowance. You can use the allowance on library printers or copiers.

    If you don't have enough credit for your entire print or copy request, you have the option to pay for more pages.

    Additional pages of letter-size (8 1/2" x 11") prints and copies cost:

    • $0.15 for black and white.
    • $0.50 for color.

    You can send a fax for free using Library Document Stations. Fax or scan documents directly to email, cloud storage, or a USB drive.

    All libraries have faxing service when they are open for visits.

  • Laptops

    You must request a laptop in person. You cannot reserve a laptop in advance. 

    The amount of time you can use a laptop for varies by location.  

    Usually, you can borrow a laptop for 1 hour. You may be able to use it for up to 4 hours, if no other patrons are waiting to use it. Ask staff at your library about availability. 

    You can borrow a laptop to use while you're at the library. You will need a valid all-access library card. 

    Go to the checkout desk at any library. Ask a staff member if a laptop is available. All libraries have at least one laptop available for checkout. 

     

  • Website Privacy

    We updated our website privacy policy to include this change on May 11, 2017. We kept messages on the website for two weeks after the change.

    We are not buying ad space on particular websites. Ads are delivered to past visitors of our website through online ad networks.

    We offer a variety of services, collections, and resources that many library users may not be aware of. Online promotional ads help us attract past website visitors back to the site. This helps us effectively connect them with other library services of interest.

    Yes, by blocking cookies in your browser. Note: doing so will prevent you from accessing your KCLS account and a fully functioning KCLS website and catalog. Contact Ask KCLS or a local library staff member for alternative KCLS account access.

    You can find information about opting out of Google's use of cookies by visiting Google's Ads Settings page. Alternatively, you can opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies by visiting the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page. You can opt out of DoubleClick/Google Display Network's use of cookies by visiting the DoubleClick/Google Display Network opt-out page or the Network Advertising Initiative opt-out page.

    All cookie-driven data is used to promote library services of interest to past library website visitors. All collected data is anonymous – no personally identified detail is contained – and collection is completely automated and not screened by people.

    Our website and catalog vendor, BiblioCommons, requires cookies. This ensures full site functionality. It also makes it possible to store a variety of preferences and session information. You may not be able to log in to your library account, for example, if cookies are blocked.

    You can delete cookies at the end of any use session using your browser settings. Doing so will not harm your library account.