Need to print documents but can’t make it to the library right away? The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) offers a convenient Print on Demand service that allows you to send documents remotely from your own device and print them at any BPL location. Whether you’re at home, work, or on the go, you can easily utilize the Brooklyn Public Library printing service.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using the Brooklyn Public Library’s Print on Demand system, ensuring a smooth and efficient printing experience.
First-time users, please note: You’ll need to activate your library card at a BPL branch before using Print on Demand. Simply visit any open library location and activate your card at a self-service kiosk or computer reservation station using your barcode and PIN. Once activated, you’re all set to use the remote printing service.
For any assistance, the Brooklyn Public Library provides comprehensive support. You can easily Contact Us for help.
Ready to print? Visit the Print On Demand Portal to get started.
Remote Printing Instructions: Step-by-Step
Below are detailed instructions for printing remotely from both computers and mobile devices. Choose the method that best suits your needs:
Printing from Computers (Laptop or Desktop)
Printing from Mobile Devices (Smartphones or Tablets)
Understanding the Print On Demand Portal
Accepted File Types for Printing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Printing from a Computer: Web Upload Method
Printing from a computer is straightforward using the web upload method. Here’s what you need:
Requirements
- A computer (desktop, laptop, or tablet) with internet access.
- A compatible web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer.
- An active Brooklyn Public Library card or Guest Pass.
- Sufficient funds for printing: $0.10 per black and white page, $0.50 per color page.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Access the Print on Demand Portal: Go to bklynlibrary.org/printanywhere in your web browser.
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Log In: The login screen will appear. Enter your 14-digit library card barcode number (located on the back of your card) in the “Barcode” field and your associated PIN in the “PIN” field.
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Upload Your Document: Once logged in, you’ll enter the Print On Demand portal. Click the Upload button and locate the document you wish to print on your computer.
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Review and Adjust Settings: After uploading, your document will appear in the Job List. Here, you can preview the document and adjust print settings as needed.
Document upload list view in Brooklyn Public Library Print on Demand portal showing uploaded files ready for printing -
Release Your Print Job: Visit your nearest Brooklyn Public Library branch and use a print release station to retrieve your printed document.
Video Tutorial: Computer Printing
[Link to Video Tutorial for Computer Printing (if available, otherwise remove this line)]
Printing from a Mobile Device: Email Method
For printing from smartphones or tablets, the email method is a convenient option.
Requirements
- A mobile device (smartphone or tablet) with internet access.
- An active email account.
- An active Brooklyn Public Library card or Guest Pass.
- Funds for printing: $0.10 per black and white page, $0.50 per color page.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Register Your Email: Forward the document you want to print as an attachment to [email protected].
- Follow Welcome Email Instructions: You will receive a Welcome Email from the Print On Demand system. Follow the instructions provided in this email to register your email address with your library card.
- Log In via Welcome Email Link: Use the link in the welcome email. Enter your library card number as the “Username” and your PIN as the “Password”.
- Email Registration Confirmation: After successful login, you’ll receive a confirmation message indicating your email address is registered. Note: This email registration is a one-time process.
- Email Documents for Printing: Simply email your documents as attachments to [email protected] whenever you need to print. Be aware that if there’s any color on a page, even minimal, the system will automatically print in color and charge $0.50 per page. To ensure black and white printing at $0.10 per page, your document must be entirely black and white.
- Release Your Print Job: Go to your preferred Brooklyn Public Library branch to release and collect your prints at a print release station.
Video Tutorial: Mobile Device Printing
[Link to Video Tutorial for Mobile Device Printing (if available, otherwise remove this line)]
Understanding the Print On Demand Portal
While the Print On Demand portal interface might be viewable on mobile devices, certain functionalities are optimized for laptop or desktop computers.
Brooklyn Public Library Print on Demand portal interface showing account balance, print options, and job list
Here are the features available through the portal:
- Account Balance: Check your current library card balance and the cost for each print job.
- Job Management: Delete print jobs that are no longer needed. Note that print jobs are automatically deleted after 48 hours.
- Document Preview: Preview your documents before printing to ensure they look as expected.
- Print Options: Choose between black and white or color prints.
- Single or Double-Sided Printing: Select single or double-sided printing. Important: Double-sided printing is only available when releasing your job at a copy machine, and you will be charged for both sides of the page.
- Number of Copies: Adjust the number of copies you need.
- Activity Tab: Review your past print jobs, computer sessions, and other account activity. This is a view-only list and does not allow reprinting of past jobs once released.
Accepted File Types for Printing
The Print On Demand service supports a wide range of file types:
Document Formats:
- PDF Document: (.pdf)
- Microsoft Word Document: (.doc, .dot, .docx, .rtf)
- Microsoft Excel Document: (.xls, .xlt, .xlsx, .xltx, .xltm, .xlsm, .csv)
- Microsoft PowerPoint Document: (.ppt, .pptx, .pptm, .pot, .pps, .potx, .ppsx)
- Microsoft Visio Document Renderer: (.vsd, .vss, .vst, .vdx, .vsx, .vtx, .vdw)
- Microsoft Publisher Document: (.pub)
- Open Office Documents: (.odt, .ods, .odp)
Image Files:
- (.jpg, .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .gif, .tif)
Other Formats:
- Email Message Formats: (.txt, .mht, .eml, .ini, .cfg)
Note: To print a webpage, you must first save it in one of these accepted formats, such as a PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get a Brooklyn Public Library card?
You can apply online for a library card or visit any BPL branch to register in person.
How do I get a Brooklyn Public Library Guest Pass?
Guest Passes are available at the self-service kiosks in any Brooklyn Public Library branch.
Can I print a webpage or email directly through Print On Demand?
No, you need to save webpages or emails as accepted file types like PDF before uploading or emailing them to the Print On Demand system.
How do I pay for my prints or add funds to my account?
You can add money to your account at the self-service kiosks located in all Brooklyn Public Library branches using cash, credit, or debit cards.
How can I print double-sided?
To print double-sided, upload your document via the Print On Demand portal from a computer and select the double-sided option. You must then release the print job at a copy machine within the library. Note that double-sided prints are charged for each side. Double-sided printing is not available when printing via email.
Why can’t I upload my file to Print On Demand?
The Print On Demand service has a file size limit of 10 MB. Ensure your document is 10 MB or smaller.
How long are my files stored in the system?
Files remain available for printing for 48 hours after being uploaded. After this period, they are automatically deleted from the system.
I didn’t receive my welcome email for mobile printing. What should I do?
First, ensure your device is connected to the internet, as cellular signals can be weak in some buildings. Check your email’s junk or spam folders, as the welcome email might have been filtered there. If you have registered previously, you won’t receive another welcome email, but you will receive a notification email confirming receipt of your print job, at which point you can release your prints.
