FAQs

Computers & Tech Services

  • We offer free WiFi throughout the library. You can connect using one of our devices or bring your own. Choose the PPL network on your device. The password is: pplak123 (all small case, no spaces). Please note that WiFi automatically cycles off for 15 minutes prior to closing each day.

    If you need WiFi after hours, the City of Palmer offers free WiFi in the Palmer Community Center (Train Depot) parking lot and the MTA Events Center (Ice Arena).

  • We have 6 patron desktops, running Windows 10, available for public use free of charge. These computers are equipped with Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Open Office products, (equivalent to Microsoft Office products).

    Log on using your library card number (with no spaces) as the Patron ID. Your last name is the password. If you do not have a library card, ask for a free guest pass.

    Computer sessions last for 1 hour. You may ask staff for additional time if no one is waiting to use the computers, or if you're working on a job or school project. Time extensions must occur before your 1 hour time runs out. Computers do not save information when a session is exited or ends due to timing out. If you're working on a paper, project, or filling out forms, it's wise to save it often to a flash drive, your email, social media account, Google Drive, or elsewhere on the internet. You may request an estimated extended time at the beginning of the session after logging in. See staff at the circulation desk for time extensions.

    Please note: computers are programmed to shut down 15 minutes prior to closing each day, even if time remains in the session.

    Printing information & tips.

    • In House Use: We have 8 internet connected laptops available for in-house use running Windows 10. Laptops feature HDMI, SD, headphone, and USB ports, but do not have a disc drive.
    • You must be 18 years or older to borrow one. A library card is not required. We'll hold your keys, or ID, and give it back to you when the laptop is returned.
    • Check Out: We have a limited number of laptops available for check out.
    • You must be a Palmer Library patron, in good standing (no fines), who has had a library card for 1 year or more.
    • Laptops may only be returned inside the library.
    • Print: Black & white printing is 25¢ per page, and can be done from any of our patron computers or from the self service copier in our lobby if printing from USB.
    • Prints from patron PCs can be picked up at the front desk.
    • If you only need certain pages in a document, and do not know how to limit printing to just those pages, ask staff for help.
    • Color printing is NOT available on any printer or copier in the Library. Check with the UPS Store: 1150 S Colony Way, Ste 3, or any print shop to make color prints.
    • Copy: Copies are 25¢ per page, cash only. Copies are black and white only.
    • A double-sided page counts as 2 pages.
    • We have a self-service copy machine, loaded with 8 1/2 x 11 standard copy paper. You must supply any other type or size of paper you wish to use.
    • It has several features, including the ability to copy the front and back of a card or license on one sheet of paper. See the red user manual above the copier, or ask staff for assistance.
    • Color copies are NOT available on any printer or copier in the Library. Check with the UPS Store: 1150 S Colony Way, Ste 3, or any print shop to make color prints.
    • Scan: Scanning is free.
    • Our self serve copier can scan documents in PDF format to any USB flash drive. At this time scanning to email directly is not available, see staff for assistance with moving your scan to one of our patron computers if you need to upload your documents online. Scans can be made in black and white or in color.

  • Standard Fax: The Library does not have a standard fax machine, and cannot receive faxes. Standard faxing is available, for a fee, at:
    Fred Meyer (customer service counter), (907) 761-4200, 650 N Cobb St, Palmer
    UPS store, (907) 746-6245, 1150 S Colony Way Ste 3, Palmer

    Free Fax via Computer: A free online faxing service, faxzero.com, is available on any internet connected device, and may be used at home too. (Not affiliated with the library, or City of Palmer.) You must be able to access your email account. It takes 5-30 minutes to complete. Free self service scanning to a counter top computer or USB drive is available, using our printer. Free self service scanning, to a USB drive, is also available on our copy machine. The maximum number of pages to be faxed, not including the cover page, is 3. The 3 pages may be combined into one document, or separate documents. You're limited to 5 free faxes per day, and only to the U.S. and Canada.

     

  • We have 4 iPad tablets available for in-house use. This is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with a tablet in a friendly setting. Our staff is knowledgeable and available to help with any questions you may have.

    You must be 18 or over to check out an iPad and must trade a government issued ID. (Children are welcome to use them with parent supervision.)

    What is available on the iPad?

    • Internet access
    • A selection of adult fiction and nonfiction, graphic novels, kids books, and juvenile fiction.
    • Recipe apps where you can browse thousands of recipes!
    • Knit-along (and crochet!) video tutorials
    • Games
    • Interactive kids' books and education apps.
    • Language learning apps
    • Pages, Numbers, and Keynote
    • The Overdrive Media Console
    • Travel guide apps

  • The Palmer Library offers several types of eReaders for patron checkout. This is an excellent opportunity to try different models at your own pace to decide which is the best fit for you.

    There's a selection of books preloaded onto the devices. Tablet devices are also equipped with the OverDrive app, which gives you access to our digital collection, Alaska Digital Library.

    In order to be eligible for eReader checkout, patrons must be 18 years or older, AND a Palmer patron in good standing for a minimum of 1 (one) year. Cards issued from any other library are not eligible to check out eReaders.

    Checkout period is 2 weeks.

    Kindle: This is an Amazon product.
    The Kindle Fire is a color LED tablet. You can browse the internet (provided you're connected to WiFi), and use Alaska Digital Library on the Overdrive app on this device. This device has speakers to support audiobook use.

    The Kindle Paperwhite is an e-ink device. It only displays black and white. To use Alaska Digital Library, you need a computer to check out material and, depending on the model, a WiFi connection to download the book. You cannot browse the internet or listen to audiobooks on this device. It is solely for reading ebooks.  

    Nook: This is a Barnes and Noble product.
    ​The Nook Color is a color LED tablet. You can browse the internet (provided you're connected to WiFi), and use Alaska Digital Library on the Overdrive app on this device. This device has speakers to support audiobook use.

    The Nook Simple Touch is an e-ink device. It only displays black and white. To use Alaska Digital Library, you need a computer to check out material and transfer it to the device. You cannot browse the internet or listen to audiobooks on this device. It is solely for reading ebooks.