The Royal Oak Public Library currently has 22 computer workstations available to the general public. Library-owned computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons are required to login at the library computers using either a TLN Library card or Guest Pass. TLN Library cards and Guest Passes are non-transferable. Users of the library’s computers or internet access must adhere to the Internet Use Policy 5.40. Failure to follow these guidelines will result in the loss of the ability to use the internet.
The library offers wireless internet access. The wireless signal is accessible in all public areas of the library. Upon successful connection to the wireless signal, you will be asked to agree to abide by the terms of the Internet Use Policy 5.40.
All library-owned public computers and by wireless connection is filtered with the exception of one unfiltered library-owned public computer in the Adult Computer Lab. Filtering of the internet is in accordance with Ordinance 2008-06 of the City of Royal Oak, Policy 5.41.
If you are new to computers, haven't used them for a while, are a little unsure and uncomfortable, or just need a bit of a refresher, DigitalLearn.org has the tools to help you tackle technology at your own pace and gain the confidence you need to succeed. DigitalLearn.org, is an online hub for digital literacy support and training curated by the Public Library Association.
In addition, freecodecamp.org released a computer and technology basics course on their YouTube Channel. Developed by the Goodwill Community Foundation, this course teaches the basics of computer use and is perfect for beginners and people that want to fill in some gaps on their knowledge.
The library has three computer labs designated for use by age groups:
Adult Computer Lab: 8 workstations running Windows 10. Software available: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. 18 years of age and older.
- Unfiltered Terminal: 1 workstation running Windows 10. Flatbed scanner. Software available: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. A parent or guardian must accompany and be sitting at the computer terminal with patrons under 18 years of age wishing to have access to the unfiltered internet workstation.
Teen Computer Lab: 6 workstations running Windows 10. Software available: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The computers in the Teen Area may only be used by individuals aged 10 through 18 years old of age.
Youth Computer Lab: 8 workstations running Windows 10. Software available: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Adults are not permitted to use the computers in the Youth Services area of the lower level without an accompanying minor.
Reservations: Individuals with library cards have a daily time limit of four hours, and guest passes can be obtained.
Printing: $.10 per page for black & white prints; $0.25 per page for color prints. They can be released from the Print Release Stations in the Adult or Youth labs. Library card holders are provided a restricted quantity of complimentary pages at the library, with an allocation equivalent to 50 cents per day.
Staff Assistance
Staff may assist library users in getting started on the internet; however, the library cannot guarantee that staff will be available to assist users at all times the library is open. Staff are not allowed to enter information for library computer users. Because of the many different applications available on the internet, staff may not be able to provide specialized or technical knowledge about a particular application.