• General Questions

    Alameda County Library is always working to make our facilities and services more welcoming and accessible.

    Available accommodations include (but are not limited to):

    Requests for specific accommodations can be made by contacting your local Alameda County Library location or Accessibility Services. More information can be found on our Accessibility page.

    Every library provides Pocketalkers for in-library use. Pocketalkers are personal sound amplifiers that help users hear more of what they want to hear and less of what they don't. They achieve this by reducing background noise and allowing the user to focus on and amplify specific sounds.

    Pocketalkers are ideal for library programs, film showings, group discussions, one-on-one conversation, and for library use in general. Using a Pocketalker is as simple as plugging in a pair of headphones (or using the included pair), positioning the microphone near the preferred sound, and adjusting the volume to your desired setting. 

    Visit any of our libraries' Reference Desks to borrow a Pocketalker for use during your next library visit. 

    In addition, we have RF (radio frequency)-based assistive listening systems from Listen Technologies at the Albany, Castro Valley, Dublin, Fremont Main and Newark libraries. These systems are great for larger events and programs. Users can adjust the volume of the presentation audio on an individual basis using an RF receiver. Simply let staff know if you would like the presenters to provide event or program audio through one of these systems. 

    If you require accommodations for a specific library program, please contact the library where the program is being held or message Accessibility Services at least seven (7) days in advance. 

    Yes! You can request an ADA-friendly Library Locker. When you place your hold, select one of these options:

    • Wally Pond Locker - ADA Accessible
    • Warm Springs Locker - ADA Accessible

    If you need help, let us know.

    Service animals are welcome in all of our libraries. We love all animals, but pets, emotional support animals, and other animals that have not been trained to perform specific acts directly related to an individual’s disability are not allowed into our libraries.

    For your convenience, Alameda County Library allows Library Cardholders to add authorized users to their account by submitting an Additional Users Authorization form. A print version of this form is available at each location's Circulation Desk.

    An Additional User can:

    • Check out the primary member’s holds
    • Borrow and request items on the primary member’s account
    • Pay fees
    • View borrowing records and account balance

    To access the account to which one is an approved user, the Additional User must do one of the following:

    • Present the primary member’s library card
    • Present an approved form of ID, know the name and address of the member, and be listed as an approved additional user on the account
      • Please note: Exceptions to the ID requirement may be permitted for Additional Users under 13 years old.

    Revoking Additional User access must be done in person or by submitting an Additional Users Removal form. A print version of this form is available at each location's Circulation Desk.

    If you require accommodations for a specific library program or event, please contact the library where the program is being held or message Accessibility Services at least seven (7) days in advance. This will help us ensure the needed accommodations are in place in time for the event.

    Yes! All TTY users can dial 888-663-0660 to contact the Alameda County Library about their accounts, the library's services, or brief reference questions.

    Alternatively, you can simply dial 711 to be connected to the California Relay Service. To have your call immediately answered in your language and preferred mode of communication, please dial using one of the numbers below:

    • TTY/VCO/HCO to Voice

      • English: 800-735-2929
      • Spanish: 800-855-3000
    • Voice to TTY/VCO/HCO

      • English: 800-735-2922
      • Spanish: 800-855-3000
    • From or To Speech-to-Speech (English & Spanish): 800-854-7784

    Extended Services Library Cards are intended to ease access to library materials for our members with disabilities or mobility issues. These cards allow members to borrow items for 30 days (as opposed to the normal 21 days). 

    To have an account updated to an Extended Services Library Card, the member just needs to show some form of verification of disability, including (but not limited to):

    • A statement or letter on a physician's/medical professional's letterhead stationary.
    • A statement, record, or letter from a government agency that issues or provides disability benefits.
    • Certification from a vocational rehabilitation counselor or another counselor that issues or provides disability benefits.

    If you cannot easily provide this verification, just speak with your local Alameda County Library staff or contact Accessibility Services. We'll find a solution.

    Members that have a hard time physically visiting a library may also be interested in adding an Additional User to their account (to designate another person that is allowed to pick up and borrow library items on their behalf).

    The Braille & Talking Book Library (BTBL) lends braille books, talking books (physical and digital audiobooks), audio magazines, and descriptive video DVDs to eligible readers in Alameda County by mail, for free!

    It's located in Sacramento, CA, and it's our local outpost of the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS). BTBL

    Who Can Use BTBL?

    To be eligible, you must have a certified authority* confirm that you are permanently or temporarily:

    • Legally blind, with vision in the better eye of 20/200 or less with corrective glasses, or
    • Have a visual field no greater than 20 degrees in diameter, or
    • Be unable to see well enough or focus long enough to read standard print, even with corrective glasses, or
    • Be unable to handle print books or turn pages because of a physical disability, or
    • Be certified as having a perceptual or reading disability of sufficient severity to prevent reading printed material in the usual manner.

    *As of February 2021, certification may be made by librarians.

    What's Provided for Free?

    • Talking book players
    • Audiobooks and magazines on digital cartridge (no late fees)
    • Free delivery and mailing — no postage required
    • Downloadable/streaming audiobooks and electronic braille
    • Braille

    Available Reading Material

    • Over 100,000+ books
    • 3,000 to 5,000+ new audiobooks and 600+ Braille books added each year
    • 50 new locally recorded books on California interest added each year
    • Popular magazines
    • Foreign languages

    Sign Up or Get Help

    • Apply for Braille & Talking Book Access.
    • Need an application mailed to you? Request one: btbl@library.ca.gov or 800-952-5666
    • Need assistance completing and/or certifying a Braille & Talking Book Library application? Ask us! In-person or online. 

    • Screens with enhanced display and blue light reduction
    • Windows Narrator
    • ZoomText
    • Large format keyboard with high visibility keys

  • Booklegger

    Adults who have some availability during regular school hours (8:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) can become Bookleggers. The main qualifications are a love of reading and a desire to share that love with children. There are no educational prerequisites or financial requirements. Books used for volunteering are available for checkout from the Alameda County Library.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not accepting new Bookleggers or visiting classrooms. 

    In Fremont, Bookleggers visit elementary school classrooms, grades 2 to 5. In Castro Valley, Bookleggers visit elementary school classrooms, grades K to 5. The number of classrooms each semester depends on each school district’s needs.

    During training, class time is 2.5 to 3 hours weekly, and homework time is about the same. After training, the time commitment varies depending on the grade level and school district.

    Bookleggers indicate their preferences for grade level and school sites. The volunteer coordinators make every effort to honor those preferences.

    There is a select list of books that the Library stocks in abundance for the Bookleggers to use. Bookleggers have a wide variety to choose from within this list but are not permitted to use books outside of the list. The books for this list are chosen based on recommendations by library staff, volunteers, teachers, and families. The Booklegger list does not focus on books that children might already know, like award winners, best-sellers, or classroom classics. Instead, Booklegger books focus on great stories, unique characters, and diverse appeal.

    Kids love Bookleggers! Families frequently come to the library right after a Booklegger has visited to get the books that were shared. We hear from students who felt like readers for the first time after a Booklegger visited, or who tried a new genre and were surprised to find they loved it!

    Training takes about 6 weeks. Each class is about 2.5 to 3 hours long. For more specifics please contact the Fremont or Castro Valley Booklegger coordinators.

    The Booklegger training class assumes nothing — all the skills necessary to be able to make an exciting classroom presentation are taught! We'll teach you effective methods of storytelling, how to booktalk, how to use props if you should choose to do so, how to mix genres, what books are effective at which grade levels, how to work with gifted readers, reluctant readers, and readers functioning below grade level. For several sessions, we have experienced guest speakers to give their tips and expert advice for successful booklegging. We'll have you practice your new skills in the training class and you'll be able to visit actual classrooms full of kids!

  • Computers

    Yes, Library staff can provide limited help to members using Library equipment. Some locations also have volunteer tech tutors during designated times. Call your local library for details, or check our events calendar for upcoming Computers & Technology programs.

    We do not currently have computers you may take home. Our Tech It Out Laptops are for use only within the Library.

    You may access Library desktop computers and print as a guest. You must have a Library Card to use a Tech It Out Laptop. You will need to hold on to your pass to retrieve any print jobs and you will not be eligible for free pages as a guest user.

    Computer sessions are limited to two (2) hours per day.

    • Screens with enhanced display and blue light reduction
    • Windows Narrator
    • ZoomText
    • Large format keyboard with high visibility keys

    The following software is found on all our computers. On specific workstations we also offer assistive technology. 

    • MS Office Suite
    • PDF Reader
    • VLC Media Player
    • Web Browsers
      • Chrome
      • Firefox
      • Edge

    We provide desktop and laptop computers running Windows 10. Our machines were last replaced in 2020 and provide a familiar desktop experience.

    For member privacy, all of our computers are reset and wipe any data added by users at the end of every session. 

  • eLibrary

    If your library card number changes, you'll need to update it in your hoopla account.

    On the hoopla Website

    1. Go to hoopla and sign in with your email and password.
    2. Select the gear icon at the top of the page to open Settings.
    3. Choose Library.
    4. Make sure the library name is Alameda County Library (CA).
    5. Enter your new library card number.
    6. Click Save.

    In the hoopla App

    1. Open the app and tap the gear icon in the lower right corner for Settings.
    2. Depending on the device:
      • iOS:  

        • Tap Library Settings.
        • Make sure Alameda County Library (CA) is displayed. Change it if it is not.
        • Enter your new card number in the Library Card field.
        • Tap Save Library Settings when finished.
      • Android:  

        • Scroll to Library and make sure Alameda County Library (CA) is displayed.
        • Go to Library Card and tap to enter your new card number.
        • Tap Save when finished.

    Related FAQs: hoopla Limits

    Welcome! Here's how to start using your eCard with our online resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers, movies, music, and more.

    1. Save Your eCard Number: After applying for your eCard, write down or save the eCard number you were given on the confirmation page or in the confirmation email you should have received. You'll need that number to sign in to most online resources.
    2. Set Your PIN: You'll need a PIN to check out or access online resources.
    3. Explore our eLibrary: AC Library offers eBooks and audiobooks through several providers. Visit our Quick Start Guide to learn about each service, how to install their apps, and how to start borrowing.

    Need Help?

    If you run into any issues, contact us. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.

    Related FAQs: How to Set Your PIN, The Difference Between eCards and Library Cards

    We occasionally have technical difficulties with our eResources that make them temporarily unavailable.  If you aren't sure if the problem is with your computer/device or with our systems, you can look at our eLibrary. There is a box in the upper right side of the screen titled, "Current Technical Issues."  Any problems will be listed in that section.  

    You can report problems to us by filling in our eResources email form. 

    Yes, some of our resources will let you read on your computer.

    OverDrive

    The most popular eBook vendor, OverDrive, has an app for Windows 10, you can find it in your app store by searching for Libby.  The icon has a maroon background and features a child reading.  Libby is very easy to use, and the set up is quick and easy - just follow the instructions on screen.

    If you don't have Windows 10, you can still use Libby in the browser at www.libbyapp.com.  It works exactly the same way as the app, but you cannot download eBooks or eAudiobooks.  You can also use most OverDrive eBooks and eAudiobooks in the browser directly from aclibrary.overdrive.com, but you may find that Libby is a better experience.

    If you need to download, you can choose to download eBooks to your computer by choosing the PDF or EPUB version when you check out at aclibrary.overdrive.com. You will need to have an eReader like Adobe Digital Editions installed on your computer.  You can find instructions for doing that here.

    Finally, if you would like to read Kindle eBooks on your computer, you can check them out at the OverDrive site and send them to a Kindle app on your computer.  You can learn all about checking out Kindle books here.

    If you need help with material from other resources not listed here, or if you have any questions or problems, please don't hesitate to contact us.  

    There are a few different reasons why you might choose to use OverDrive/Libby differently.  Read the questions below and pick what's right for you.

    • Are you an iOS or Android user?  

      If you want to read eBooks or eMagazines, listen to eAudiobooks, or get a pass for Libby Extras on an Android, or iOS device, we recommend that you use the Libby App.
      Passes for Libby Extras (The Great Courses and Craftsy) are checked out through the Libby app or the www.libbyapp.com site.  You will then be redirected to The Great Courses or the Craftsy site. 

    • Do you have a Windows or Mac Computer or laptop? 
      If you are on a  computer we recommend that you use the www.libbyapp.com site or the OverDrive site at aclibrary.overdrive.com.
    • Did you check out a streaming video?
      If you want to watch streaming video we recommend that you use the browser viewer through the OverDrive site at aclibrary.overdrive.com.
    • Are you a Kindle user?
      If you want to read Kindle eBooks, you will need to get one of Amazon's Kindle apps or use a Kindle Device. Any book that is available as a Kindle book is also available in other formats. See our Managing Kindle eBooks tutorial for more information on this.
      You can send your eBooks to Kindle using the Libby app, the www.libbyapp.com site, or the OverDrive site at aclibrary.overdrive.com.
    • Are you a Kindle Fire user?
      If you have a Kindle Fire you will have to use the OverDrive app or check out Kindle format eBooks.  The Libby App is not available for Kindle Fire.  You can also choose to use the www.libbyapp.com site in the browser.
    • Do you use a screen reader or other accessibility tools? 
      If you use a screen reader or other accessibility tools, you can use the OverDrive site at aclibrary.overdrive.com  or the Libby app. For more information about accessibility at OverDrive, check out their accessibility article.  For accessibility information specific to the Libby app, check out their Libby accessibility page.

    Need more help?

    Check out this helpful device guide from OverDrive or look at our Quick Start Guides for more info.

    If you're still not sure which app is best for you, feel free to contact us - we'd be happy to help!

    hoopla Digital has a monthly limit of 5 checkouts per library member, no matter how many items you return. Each time you borrow something, it counts toward your monthly total.

    Because hoopla charges the library per item checked out, we set a limit to stay within budget and ensure everyone can enjoy the service.

    If you find yourself reaching your monthly limit often, we encourage you to explore hoopla Digital's Bingepasses. These passes only count as one checkout or borrow.

    The only eBooks that can be downloaded through the Library's catalog at this time are from OverDrive.

    If you check out an eBook or eAudiobook through the library catalog, do not download the EPUB, PDF, or MP3 file from the browser.  You will need to move to the Libby app or the OverDrive Browser Reader to read and listen. You can find detailed instructions in our Quick Start Guides.

    If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us through the eResources help email form.

  • Library Accounts

    We are now accepting returns at any time! You may return items to any of our Alameda County Library locations, no matter which location they were originally checked out from. Book drops may be closed if full.

    We are not accepting donations at this time, and return receipts are unavailable.

    All eligible AC Library items renew automatically three (3) days before their due date, and most can be renewed twice. However, if you decide that you would like to renew your items ahead of that date, you can do so online or by phone 24/7.

    To Renew Your Items Online

    Renewing a Single Item

    1. Log in to your account.

    2. On the menu, click Checked Out.

    3. Find the title you want to renew.

    4. Click the Renew button below the item.

    5. A popup message will let you know if your renewal was successful.

    Renewing Multiple Items

    1.Log in to your account.

    2. On the menu, click Checked Out.

    3. If necessary, filter your checkouts by clicking Overdue, Next due or Due later under the My Borrowing summary on the left of the page.

    4. Do one of the following:

    • Click the checkbox next to each item you want to renew
    • Click the checkbox above the items to select all of the items on the page.

    5. A bar appears at the bottom of the page. Click Renew selected. The number of items affected appears in brackets on the menu.

    6. A popup message will let you know if your renewals were successful.

    To Renew Your Items by Telephone

    Have your library card number and the barcode numbers for the items you wish to renew ready, then call 510-790-8096 and follow the automated instructions. Our telephone renewal service is available in English, Mandarin, and Spanish.

    Reasons Why Your Renewal Wasn't Successful

    Unable to renew? Your renewal request might not have been completed for the following reasons: 

    • Another member has put a hold on the item.
    • Your library balance is $10.00 or more.
    • An item on your record is ten or more days overdue.
    • The item has already been renewed twice.
    • Your library card account needs to be updated.

    If you are interested in donating material, please contact your local library first to inquire. 

    If we are not the right fit for your donation, StopWaste.org may help you locate another option in your community.

    LINK+ is a free service that lets you borrow books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, and VHS tapes from more than 60 libraries in California. With your Library Card, you can request these items and have them sent to your local library for pickup.

    Borrowing Basics

    • Delivery Time: Most items arrive in about 4 days.
    • Hold Period: Items stay on the hold shelf for 10 days.
    • Loan Period: 3 weeks.
    • Renewals: You can renew once if no one else is waiting. Renewals can be requested within 3 days of the due date.
    • Limits: You can have up to 15 LINK+ transactions at one time.
    • Fees: Lost or damaged LINK+ items may cost up to $115.

    How to Request LINK+ Items

    • Search the Catalog: If AC Library does not own the item, click Try Your Search in LINK+.
    • Choose the Item: When you find what you want in LINK+, click Request It.
    • Pick the library: Select Alameda County Public from the drop-down list.
    • Enter Your Info: Type your name, Library Card number, and desired pickup location. Then click submit.
    • Get a Notification: You will get a notice by email, phone, or text when the item is ready for pickup.

    The number of items you can borrow or place on hold depends on your account type.

      Total Physical Items Video (DVDs, BluRays) Audiobooks eDevices (Tech It Out) eBooks & eAudioBooks
    Library Cards & Extended Services Cards 100 20 20 2 10 per platform
    Welcome Cards 15 10 10 2 10 per platform
    eCards 0 0 0 0 10 per platform

    All Alameda County Library items check out for 3 weeks with the exception of in-library-use-only electronic devices.

    Your borrowed items may be renewed up to 2 times unless there is a hold on the item from another member, you owe $10.00 or more in fees, or you have an item that is 10 or more days late.

    Items borrowed from other libraries through Link + are subject to the borrowing policies of the owning library.

    We love all animals, but pets, emotional support animals, and other animals that have not been trained to perform specific acts directly related to an individual’s disability are not allowed into our libraries. Service animals are always welcome in our libraries.

    The following information is a summary of our fines and fees. Please check our Policies page for the full text of our Borrowing Policy.

    How to Pay

    As of January 2022, cash registers have been removed from our libraries. Charges for replacement materials may be paid in the following ways:

    • Online: Online by credit card by logging into your account in the basic catalog.
    • In-Person: At a Library location (not available at Niles or Mobile & Outreach Services) at a printing kiosk. Kiosks accept credit cards, and $1 and $5 bills.
    • By Mail: Mail a check to our finance office. Please include your library card number beginning with 21157 on the check. You may also bring a check to your local library instead of mailing.
      Mail to:
      Alameda County Library Finance
      2450 Stevenson Blvd.
      Fremont, CA 94538

    Late Returns

    There are no charges for all books, media, and magazines. We no longer charge daily overdue fines for late items.

    Lost or Damaged Items

    • Alameda County Library bills you for the cost of any item more than 21 days past its due date. We waive this bill when the item is returned in good condition.
    • An item will be billed for damage if, due to misuse or negligence on the part of the borrower, it is no longer fit to loan.
    • Your borrowing privileges are suspended if you are billed for any item. We restore borrowing privileges once the outstanding issues are resolved.
    • Charges for Books, Media, Magazines, and Equipment:   

      • List price, if indicated by the publisher, or...
      • Cover price, if indicated on the item, or...
      • Price determined and listed in the Library's catalog (for items without a cover or list price in US Dollars)

    We offer tools you can borrow for 7 days. Renewals are not available.

    Here's how it works:

    • Find Tools: Check our catalog to find out what's available and which locations offer tools.
    • Call First: The tool you want may not be on the shelf by the time you arrive. Call to check availability before visiting. The number will be listed with the tool in the catalog.
    • Library Card: You'll need a Library Card.
    • Waiver: A signed waiver is required before borrowing a tool.
    • Under 18: A parent or guardian must sign the waiver.

    Have questions? Call the number listed with the tool in the catalog.

    A California State Library Parks Pass is a borrowable pass that grants free vehicle day-use entry to over 200 participating state park units operated by State Parks. The pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or less or one highway licensed motorcycle.

    Alameda County Library Cardholders can borrow a California State Library Parks Pass for 21 days from any of our libraries. See current availability or place a hold on a California State Library Parks Pass.

    Please note that not all state parks are participating in this program. For details, visit the interactive map of participating state parks, or the list of parks not accepting the pass.

    Classroom Cards are special AC Library accounts that allow teachers to borrow more items, for longer, for classroom use.

      Classroom Card Library Card
    Max number of items 170 100
    Loan period 28 days; 2 renewals 21 days; 2 renewals
    Max number of holds 20 15

    Teachers, educators, administrators, school librarians, child care providers, or after school program providers who teach in Alameda County are all eligible for a Classroom Card.

    If you are a teacher who would like to apply for a Classroom Card, please complete our Classroom Card Application to submit your request. After submission, an AC Library staff member will reach out regarding next steps.

  • Library Events

    Service animals are welcome in all of our libraries. We love all animals, but pets, emotional support animals, and other animals that have not been trained to perform specific acts directly related to an individual’s disability are not allowed into our libraries.

    If you require accommodations for a specific library program or event, please contact the library where the program is being held or message Accessibility Services at least seven (7) days in advance. This will help us ensure the needed accommodations are in place in time for the event.

  • Makerspace

    Yes.

    You need a reservation to use equipment on your own. 3D printers require a reservation, and reservations are recommended for all other equipment to make sure it’s available when you arrive.

    Please submit your request at least 4 days in advance so staff can review and confirm your appointment.

    If you're attending a class or event, you don't need a separate reservation.

    Related Pages: The Spark, 3D Printer, Sewing Machine, Die Cutting, Large Format Printing, Fremont Library

    You can use 3D printers, sewing machines, a die cutter, and a large-format printer.

    To get started, you’ll need:

    • A Library Card
    • A signed waiver
    • A reservation to use equipment, or you can attend an event.

    We welcome beginners and experienced makers alike.

    Related Pages: The Spark, 3D Printer, Sewing Machine, Die Cutting, Large Format Printing, Fremont Library

    Anyone with a Library Card, a signed waiver, and a reservation can use the equipment. The Spark is open to all experience levels—beginners are welcome.

    Youth under 18 need a parent or guardian to sign the waiver. Some equipment has age limits for supervision—check the equipment pages for details.

    Related Pages: The Spark, 3D Printer, Sewing Machine, Die Cutting, Large Format Printing, Fremont Library

    Yes—with supervision, depending on age and equipment.

    • Under 13: Supervision required for 3D printers and sewing machines
    • Under 10: Supervision required for the die cutter
    • Under 9: Supervision required for the large-format printer

    About Waivers:

    • For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian must sign the waiver on their behalf.
    • If that adult is supervising during equipment use, they also need their own signed waiver.
    • Waivers only need to be signed once.

    Check the equipment pages for full age and supervision details.

    Related Pages: The Spark, 3D Printer, Sewing Machine, Die Cutting, Large Format Printing, Fremont Library

    It depends on the event, the equipment used, and who's attending.

    Some events require a Library Card, a signed waiver, or active supervision by a parent or guardian—especially for some youth using equipment.

    Check the event listing details to see what's needed before you attend.

    Related Pages: Events at The Spark, The Spark, 3D Printer, Sewing Machine, Die Cutting, Large Format Printing, Fremont Library

  • Mobile Library

    We are very similar to your Community Library although we do not offer printing or computer services. All you need to check out materials is an AC Library Card. If your Library Card is expired, or you need a new or replacement card, we can help you on the Mobile Library, with or without an ID. If you do not have an ID, we can give you a Welcome Card with limited borrowing privileges.  

    Yes, you can return Mobile Library items to any AC Library location. If you need to return items that you checked out at one of our Community Libraries, we can accept them on the Mobile Library.

    In general, all items are due back on the date of our next scheduled stop.

    Our library is now fine free, so if you return your library materials on our next visit you will not be charged any fines. If you'd prefer not to wait, check out our list of locations to find the closest library to return items. If you need further assistance with your account, please give us a call, 510-745-1477, and we'll be happy to help. 

    Please fill out the request form online so that your neighborhood gets consideration the next time we have an opening in the schedule. 

    No. Unfortunately we can't transfer existing holds from the Mobile Library to the Library Lockers. If you missed the Mobile Library, you may cancel your holds and request them again for the Library Lockers.

    When you place a hold, choose "Mobile Library" as your pick-up location. You can email us or call (510-745-1477) to confirm the stop you would like to pick up your material. We will bring holds twice to your stop. Holds that are not picked up will be canceled.

  • Print, Scan, and Fax

    You may print from any of our Library computers, or from anywhere on your own device.

    Use a Library Computer
    You can print using the default settings on the computer and pickup your job at a Kiosk in the Library.

    At the Kiosk, enter your Library Card & PIN to retrieve the print job. You will be prompted to choose options as well as to pay by cash or credit card.

    Print from anywhere on your own device (SmartAlec)
    You can send print jobs for pickup at any AC Library using our SmartAlec service. Visit the link and enter your Library Card & PIN information. Non-members can also go through similar steps, but will be required to create a guest account to use this service. SmartAlec is also available as a free download on Android and iOS. 

    After logging-in, you will be able to upload a document to print. You may visit any of our locations to complete the printing process at a Kiosk in the Library. 

    Only pdf, doc, docx, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, csv, txt, html, rtf, jpg, png, bmp, jpeg, and heic files are compatible.

    • Printing or copying black and white pages costs $0.15 per page
    • Printing or copying color pages costs $0.35 per page
    • Scanning is free - Please contact your local Library for the latest on scanning availability. 
    • For fax costs, please contact your local library

    At present, AC Library cardholders can print up to ten (10) black and white pages per day free of charge from a Library computer or your personal device. We are unable to provide this benefit for photocopies or to members without a Library Card. The number of free prints available may change at any time due to costs.

    Costs may be paid at the print Kiosk by cash or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex).

    Your privacy is something we take very seriously. There are two parts of keeping your print information confidential, the physical access and the digital storage.

    For physical access to your print job, only someone who enters your Library Card number and PIN can view information about your printing at the print Kiosk. A digital copy is kept on the print Kiosk in case the printer jams, only until the end of the day or until manually deleted by staff at your request.

    For Online Printing, SmartAlec jobs are transmitted over TLS 1.2 network protocols. These jobs are encrypted and stored in a database for seven days to provide time for you to visit and pick them up. If you wish, you can log in and delete your own uploads from the database prior to the automatic deletion.

    Yes, you can print from your own computer at the library or from anywhere in the world with internet access.

    Cloud printing of documents is available for mobile devices and computers using a web upload or by installing the Smart Alec App (iOS / Android).

    Yes, the multifunction printers at the Library can scan to email or a USB drive. There is no charge for this service.

    As of May 2022, scanning equipment is down at many locations. Please contact your local Library for the latest on scanning availability. 

    Yes, specialized equipment is available to send a fax. Please contact your local library to confirm availability and cost for faxing.

    When printing at a Library computer, your print job is deleted at the end of the day.

     

    No, you may access Library computers and print as a guest. You will need to hold on to your pass to retrieve your print job and you will not be eligible for free pages as a guest user.

    Yes, color printing is available for the cost of $0.35 per page.