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Computer Access

Using a Computer

All Contra Costa County Libraries have computers available. You may use a computer for up to one hour a day.

Walk-in sessions are welcome, but due to the limited number of computers at each location you can make a same day reservation in one of the following ways:

  • Call your branch library
  • Reserve at the self-service Reservation/Print Release kiosk at your library

Computer FAQs

  • No, you don't need a library card or visitor pass to use an Express computer. However, you will need one to print.

  • Sessions are limited to one hour per day.

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

    Use a Library Computer

    1. You can print using the default settings on the computer and pickup your job at the Print Release station in the Library. 
    2. At the Print Release Station, enter your Library Card & PIN to retrieve the print job. 
    3. You can use a *print card (purchased separately) or insert cash (it accepts $1 and $5 bills as well as nickels, dimes and quarters). Contact your local branch to confirm payment options.
    4. Contra Costa County Library cardholders can print up to ten (10) black and white pages per day free of charge. 

    Print from anywhere on your own device (SmartAlec)

    1. You can send print jobs for pickup at any Contra Costa County Library using our SmartAlec service. Visit the link and enter your Library Card & PIN information.
    2. SmartAlec is also available as a free download on Android and iOS. 
    3. After logging-in, you will be able to upload a document to print. You may visit any of our locations to retrieve your print job. 
    4. Staff cannot selectively print individual pages from within a multi-page document so be sure to upload only the pages you want to print. 

    *Print Cards will be discontinued in 2024. See Print Card FAQs for timeline and more information.

  • All public computers are running Windows 10 and have:

    • Chrome  
    • Microsoft Word 2016
    • Microsoft PowerPoint 2016
    • Microsoft Excel 2016
    • Microsoft Publisher 2016
    • Adobe Acrobat Reader
    • Antivirus software
    • VLC Player
    • Screen Magnifier
    • Volume Control for Headphones
    • Windows Media Player
    • WordPad

  • Please log in using your library card number and PIN to use the computers and print station.

View more about Computers

How to Print?

Laptops for use in the Library

Laptops provide the same functionality as the public desktop computers, including internet and printing. The following Libraries offer laptop lending for use in the Library only:

  • Antioch
  • Brentwood
  • Concord (personal device chargers available for in-library use at this location)
  • El Cerrito
  • El Sobrante
  • Oakley
  • Orinda
  • Pleasant Hill
  • San Pablo
  • San Ramon
  • Ygnacio Valley (personal device chargers available for in-library use at this location)

Laptop borrowers must have a full service Library card and laptops are checked out to the borrower’s account. Each card can log in for a one hour session with the allowance of time extensions based on availability of computers. Laptops must be returned in good condition upon completion of a session or charges may be applied to the borrower’s account. Laptops can only be used inside the Library during open hours and each laptop is equipped with theft prevention software.

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