Connecting with Technology – Lincoln County Public Library

Computers, Laptops, Internet & Wi-fi Access

The library provides the technology you need to search, discover, learn, and grow. Check out our options for onsite and home use. Restrictions may apply. Review the current policies for the most up-to-date information.

Connect @ Home

Borrow a laptop, hotspot, or other equipment for home use.

Use our computers to connect, discover, and grow.

Wi-fi

Bring your device and connect wirelessly to our network.

Hotspots

Borrow a hotspot for internet on the go or @ home.

Printing

Print from our computers or send your file to the library to be printed.

Computers in the Library

Internet-connected desktop computers are available for public use inside the library and may be accessed using your library card. Patrons who are not eligible to receive a library card or who have forgotten their cards and do not have verifiable ID may request a single-use guest pass at the desk.

The Lincoln County Public Library aims to provide a diverse array of books and other materials, programs, and services, including electronic information sources, to meet the educational, informational, and recreational needs of residents of all ages. In keeping with this goal, the Library provides public access to the internet. The internet is a global entity with a highly diverse user population. The Library cannot control and is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the information accessed. Internet resources are provided equally to all library users. Any restriction of a child’s access to the internet, even inside the library, is the sole responsibility of the parent or legal guardian.

The library provides 16 computers equipped with commonly used software. There is no time limit unless the demand exceeds the number of computers available. Library computers automatically shut down 30 minutes before closing. Library staff members are available to help get you started but are not available for in-depth training. Individuals who would like additional assistance may request an appointment to ensure a staff member is available. Basic computer classes may be scheduled based on community requests. Patrons under 18 are required to have permission from a parent or guardian for computer use on file. A limited number of Chromebooks are available for library programs or patron use in certain circumstances. Find the complete Internet Access & Computer Policy here.

Laptops for home use

You can check out Laptops and hotspots for internet access at home! The Lincoln County Public Library received a grant from the KY Department for Libraries & Archives to provide 10 laptops and mobile hotspots. The initial program was successful, and the library obtained Emergency Connectivity Broadband Funding from the Universal Services Administration.

Laptops may be borrowed by patrons over 18 with an established library card for four weeks. Adults with a current library card in good standing will be added to the reservation list in the order we are contacted. When a laptop becomes available and is ready for checkout, we will call you to set up a time to pick it up.

Laptop & Hotspot Lending Policy

Hotspots

Borrow the Internet to use at home

We are very excited about our Internet to Go program. Laptops and hotspots for internet access will check out to you for four weeks. These can be checked out for 28 days to patrons over 18 with an established library card. You can wirelessly connect your devices to WiFi at home for schoolwork, job hunting, streaming, and more.

Adults with a current library card in good standing will be added to the reservation list in the order we are contacted. When a hotspot becomes available and is ready for checkout, we will call you to set up a time to pick it up. When you come to pick up the hotspot, please allow at least 30 minutes to fill out the paperwork and go over the contents. You must bring your photo ID with your current address and library card.

Please note hotspots rely on a signal from cell phone towers. Hotspots may not work in all areas. Call for more information about borrowing a laptop & hotspot or to add your name to the reserve list.

Internet to Go: Laptop & Mobile Hotspot Lending Policy

Laptop & Hotspot Lending FAQs

How do I check out a laptop/hotspot?

To borrow these items, you must be 18 with a photo id and library card in good standing with a positive borrowing history. Individuals with a library account less than 3 months old are required to provide a deposit of $300 or place a credit card on file. Individuals that have a history of late returns, unpaid fines/fees, and damaged materials will not be permitted to borrow electronic devices.

What do you accept for the deposit?

We will accept cash, check, or money orders. These are refunded when the device(s) are returned on time and in good condition.

I don’t have an ID

When you have photo identification, we will be able to issue you a library card as well as allow you to borrow a laptop/hotspot after the initial waiting period.

I don’t have a way to leave a deposit (no cash, no check, no credit cards).

We understand this situation. Once you have checked out at least one item each month and returned it on time and in good condition for three months, you have established a positive borrowing history and will be permitted to check out a device without a deposit.

Can I renew the laptop/hotspot (in person or over the phone)?

Yes, you may renew laptops and hotspots up to 2 times if no one is on the reservation list. Patrons who wish to check out again will be placed on the reserve list or issued the next available device. We recommend you contact the library before the due date/time to verify eligibility to renew.

Wireless Internet Access

Free Wi-Fi

Bring your device and use our free wireless internet access. Wi-fi is available in and around the library 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Look for “Library” on your list of available networks. Once connected, you will have access to “in-library use only” resources like Ancestry.com Library Edition & The Interior Journal.

Other Equipment

Check out our Library of Things.

The library provides the community with the following items when not in use for library programming and events. Library staff cannot provide support for the equipment beyond basic information. Contact the library to make arrangements for borrowing these items. A driver’s license is required to borrow equipment. For more information, contact the library and review the Equipment Loan Policy

The following items must remain in the library:

Projector and Laptop Computer with Built-In DVD Player
Meeting Owl
Laptop for Video Conferencing
Headset
Webcam

These items may be removed from the library:

Typewriter
Portable Projection Screen
Slide Projector
Overhead Projector
Multimedia Projector
Display Easels
Chromebook (Parking Lot Use)
Laptop w/Mobile Hotspot Kit

FAQs for Equipment Loans

Please refer to the current Equipment Loan Policy for the most up-to-date policies.

Who may borrow equipment?

Age 18 or older, resident of Lincoln County, or a regular user from outside the county; New cardholders must establish a positive borrowing record for 3 consecutive months with at least 3 checkouts. Or place a credit card on file that may be charged for unreturned equipment. Or put a refundable deposit to borrow the equipment.

Can I reserve the equipment for a specific date?

Equipment may be reserved up to one month in advance. Laptops and hotspots are first come first serve/reserved.

How long can I borrow the equipment?

The laptop or hotspot kit may be borrowed for 28 days (4 weeks). Chromebooks may be checked out for 90 minutes. All other equipment is up to three days if no other bookings. Equipment must be picked up and returned during the library’s regular hours of operation.

What if I return the equipment after the due date?

Equipment returned after the due date is subject to overdue fees. All equipment must be returned directly to a library staff member. Late returns may result in a suspension of borrowing privileges.

How much are the late fees?

Laptop w/Mobile Hotspot Kit: $5.00/day
Projectors: $5.00/day
Screen: $5.00/day
Typewriter: $1.00/day
Display Easels: $1.00/day

What if a piece of equipment is lost, damaged, or stolen while in my possession?

The borrower is responsible for protecting and caring for the equipment while borrowing. The cost of repair or replacement will be billed when the extent of damage and cost of repair or replacement is known.
Equipment recovery will include notice by telephone, letter, or legal action against the borrower.

I have another question not answered here.

View the entire Equipment Loan Policy or contact library staff