Printing and Scanning
Printing and scanning services are available at all Contra Costa County libraries.
Printing: You may print from any of our Library computers or send print jobs from anywhere with your own device for pickup at any of our libraries using the SmartAlec service.
Scanning: Free scanning through our Self-Service ScanEZ Stations. See Where can I scan for the list of locations with Flatbed Scanner and Document Feeder.
New Printers at the Library
The library will have new printer/copiers coming in 2025. As part of the transition, we will need to discontinue use of current machines and its print card system. During this change, copying and printing will be offered on a cash basis only.
- This change is necessary as the existing machines are no longer supported.
- The new printers will accept cash, coin, and credit cards directly.
Important Transition Dates:
- November 2, 2024 - Last Day to add funds to print cards with credit card or to purchase print cards
- December 31, 2024 - Last day print cards can be used for copying/printing
Please note:
No refunds are available for print cards
Please see our FAQs for more information.
Print Card FAQs
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Print cards will not be available for purchase or reloading after November 2, 2024.
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The old system that accepted credit cards will no longer be available. Credit cards will not be an option for payment until the new printer system is in place across all locations.
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December 31, 2024
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No. All funds must be used up by end of day on December 31, 2024 or they will be forfeited.
Printing
Use a Library Computer
- You can print using the default settings on the computer and pickup your job at the Print Release station in the Library.
- At the Print Release Station, enter your Library Card & PIN to retrieve the print job.
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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 retrieve your print job.
- 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.
Printing FAQs
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No, you don't need a library card or visitor pass to use an Express computer. However, you will need one to print.
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Contra Costa County Library cardholders can print up to ten (10) black and white pages per day free of charge.
- Black and white pages are $0.15 per page
- Color pages are $0.50 per page
- Scanning is free
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When printing at a Library computer, your print job is deleted at the end of the day.
For online printing, documents stored in the print server are deleted after seven days. This cannot be extended, so if you are unable to visit during that window you will need to send your document again.
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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 the Print Release station in the Library.
- At the Print Release Station, enter your Library Card & PIN to retrieve the print job.
- 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.
- 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)
- 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.
- 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 retrieve your print job.
- 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.
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Yes, color printing is available for the cost of $0.50 per page.
Scanning
Self-Service ScanEZ Station
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- Flatbed scanner – This machine uses a flat, glass surface to scan a document (up to 12x17 inches). The flatbed is a better choice for scanning photos, artwork, and fragile documents.
- Document feeder – This machine feeds multiple sheets of paper (letter, legal, and smaller sizes) at a time, single or double sided.
Services offered:
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- Scan to: Email, USB, Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Smart Phone, QR Code
- Text Translation
- Scan Text to Audio
- Restore Pictures
Scan file formats offered:
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- PDF, Word, JPG, PNG, TIFF, SPDF
Accessibility features:
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- Audio assistance tools (narrator & volume adjustment)
- Visual assistance tools (magnifier & contrast adjustment)
- 25 display languages for the machine
Self-Service ScanEZ Station FAQs
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Self-Service ScanEZ Station
The following libraries have a self-service ScanEZ Station that includes a document feeder and a flatbed scanner:
- Antioch
- Brentwood
- Clayton
- Concord
- Hercules
- Lafayette
- Moraga
- Orinda
- Pittsburg
- Pleasant Hill
- San Pablo
- San Ramon
- Walnut Creek
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Scanning is free at all Contra Costa County Libraries.
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Faxing is not currently offered.
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There is no limit to the number of pages you can scan from the ScanEZ station. However, please be mindful of your time if others are waiting to use the station.
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- Scan to:
- USB
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- OneDrive
- Smart Phone
- QR Code
- Text Translation
- Scan Text to Audio
- Restore Pictures
- Scan to:
