Computers in libraries

Computers for the public in Warrington’s libraries

All libraries in Warrington have computer facilities that are available to use for free.

Internet access and software
All libraries provide:

• Free access to the Internet.
• MS Office 2003 - Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint & Publisher.
• Both colour and black & white printing. There is charge for printing.
• Supernova – magnification & speech synthesis software.
• Access to online resources e.g. Encyclopaedia Britannica online.
• Ancestry.com, library edition, family history website - free.       

The majority of libraries offer scanning facilities.
You can use your own floppy disk, or buy them from the library.
Libraries also offer access to USB ports and CD-RW facilities.

What Internet services can you access?
We provide access to the world wide web. A filtering software program is in operation, which attempts to restrict access to sites that are deemed inappropriate by Warrington Borough Council. 

You can use web-based email. Examples of free web email providers include Yahoo, Googlemail & Hotmail.

Can children use the Internet in the library?
Yes - but the use of the Internet by children under 16 years of age is only allowed if a parent or guardian has given their permission. 

• Parent or carers must fill in a form to authorise their child's computer use. We strongly recommend that parents/carers supervise their children’s Internet use and make them aware of the potential dangers of contacting other people via email, chat rooms etc.

Booking
You do not need to book in advance to use a computer, however at certain libraries we strongly recommend advance booking. 

• You can book your computer session up to 30 days in advance. Bookings may be made in person, or by phone during library opening hours, at the library you wish to use. 
• You may book for up to one hour per day. 
• To help other users please try to book no longer than you need. 
• We will keep your computer for 10 minutes after the start time of your session. However, if you do not arrive within 10 minutes of your start time we will allocate your session to someone else.       

Learning in libraries

• If you want to learn how to use the Internet and email, and can attend a short five-week course, these are held in larger libraries in the autumn and spring terms. The courses are run by the Workers' Educational Association (WEA). The courses are free. Please ask your local library for further details.
• Periodically library, museum and archive staff also offer introductory courses to family & local history, please ask at your local library.       

Online reference library - a range of online resources and services to help you find the information you want, visit Online with Warrington Libraries