Computers & WiFi FAQs

  • Memory Labs

    Patrons can use our equipment to:

    • Convert VHS video tape, DVD videos, audio CDs, and audiocassette tapes into digital format.
    • Scan photographs and documents

    A USB memory card or external hard drive with at least 16 gigabytes of storage capacity.

    The Tacoma Public Library's Memory Lab does not have this equipment available to borrow. There are various retail stores that sell USB and external hard drives. You can also sign up for cloud storage services such as Google Drive, and Dropbox online and save your content to your account.

    No, you do not need to have a Tacoma Public Library card to use the Memory Lab.

    The digitizing of any copyrighted material is prohibited.

  • Computers

    Computers are available when we open until 15 minutes before we close. 

    Sit down at any open station and type in the barcode number from the back of your library card. 

    If you don't have a library card ask at the desk for a one time use guest pass.

    Yes! Get 120 minutes of computer time per day and unlimited access to free WiFi.

    Library computers are equipped with internet access, office software, and more.

    Computers can be used for up to 120 minutes per day with a valid library card. 

  • WiFi

    Yes! All library locations offer free unlimited WiFi access.

    All library locations offer unlimited free WiFi.

    Look for the network "TPL" on your device in the list of wireless or WiFi networks on your device.

    No special settings, usernames or passwords are required.

    TPL's WiFi remains on 24 hours a day. TPL does not currently have staff capacity to vary WiFi connectivity hours by location. Connectivity outside the library buildings varies by location. 

    Tacoma Public Library's WiFi network is an Open network which means it is NOT encrypted and NOT secure.

    We cannot guarantee the safety of your traffic across the WiFi network and we assume no responsibility for the configurations, security or files on your device resulting from connection to the WiFi network. Information sent to or from your device can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and appropriate software.

  • Printing

    You can print from the library's public computers for $0.10 a page for black and white and $0.20 a page for color. Print up to $5 worth of prints for free weekly with your TPL library card! Prints can be paid for with cash or credit/debit card.

    Yes. If you log in to a library computer with your student ID then you may print documents for $0.10 a page for black and white and $0.20 a page for color. Print up to $5 worth of prints for free! 

    Once you send a print, it will stay in the queue waiting to be released for 2 days.