Porter Library introduces 'Laptops Anytime'

Westlake Porter Public Library is now offering an option for individuals who find themselves in need of a laptop while there: the new Laptops Anytime station.

The machine offers six Mac Airbooks and six Dell PC laptops for in-house borrowing. All come loaded with Microsoft Office 2016 and Internet browsers (Safari for the Macs and Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer for the Dells). The laptops may be borrowed for up to six hours, but users may borrow another computer when their time expires if one is available. In addition, all borrowed laptops must be returned to the machine 15 minutes before the library closes.

Customers only need to have a Westlake Porter Public Library card in good standing to borrow a laptop. (Good standing includes having a current address, phone number and email address on file as well as having no outstanding fines of more than $10 on the account.)

Using the machine is simple – just select the type of laptop desired, agree to the terms of use and scan your library card. To return a borrowed computer, just slip it into one of the empty bays. All laptops are wiped upon being returned to protect user privacy. They may be used only within the library and users will be charged for the replacement cost in the event of damage or loss while the computer is being borrowed.

“We’re excited to offer Laptops Anytime to our library users,” said Library Director Andrew Mangels. “It means that they can now use a library computer anywhere in the library, instead of being tied to our electronic services area.”

Elaine Willis

Elaine Willis is the Public Relations Associate at Westlake Porter Public Library.

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Volume 9, Issue 8, Posted 9:56 AM, 04.18.2017