Need to Print A Document Near Me quickly and easily? Whether you’re working remotely, a student on the go, or simply need to print important papers without a home printer, Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) offers a fantastic solution with its Print on Demand service. Forget searching endlessly for a public printer – BPL makes it simple to send your documents from your own device and securely print them at any of their neighborhood libraries.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using BPL’s Print on Demand service, ensuring you can effortlessly print a document near you whenever the need arises. We’ll cover how to print from both computers and mobile devices, explain the Print on Demand portal, detail accepted file types, and answer frequently asked questions to make the process seamless.
Why Use Brooklyn Public Library to Print a Document Near You?
Brooklyn Public Library’s Print on Demand service is designed for convenience and accessibility. Instead of relying on internet cafes or office supply stores, BPL provides a trusted and affordable way to print a document near you. Here are some key benefits:
- Convenience: Print from anywhere with an internet connection – your home, office, or even a coffee shop. No need to be physically at the library to initiate the printing process.
- Accessibility: With numerous neighborhood libraries throughout Brooklyn, you’re sure to find a convenient location to pick up your prints.
- Affordability: Printing costs are budget-friendly, at just 10 cents per black and white page and 50 cents per color page.
- Security: Your documents are securely uploaded and held until you release them using your library card, ensuring privacy.
- Variety of File Types: The system supports a wide range of document and image file types, accommodating most printing needs.
How to Print Your Documents at Brooklyn Public Library
Getting started with Print on Demand is straightforward. You’ll need a Brooklyn Public Library card or a Guest Pass. First-time users with a library card will need to activate it at a BPL location. Here’s how to do it:
Activation for First-Time Users:
- Visit any open library branch.
- Locate a self-service kiosk or computer reservation station.
- Enter your library card barcode and PIN to activate your card in the system.
Once your card is activated, you’re ready to use the Print on Demand portal. There are two main methods for sending your documents: from a computer or from a mobile device.
Printing from a Computer (Laptop or Desktop)
This method is ideal for uploading documents directly through the web portal and offers more advanced print options.
Requirements:
- A computer with internet access (desktop, laptop, or tablet).
- A web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, etc.).
- An active Brooklyn Public Library card or Guest Pass.
- Sufficient funds for printing (10¢ per black and white page, 50¢ per color page).
Steps:
- Access the Print on Demand Portal: Go to bklynlibrary.org/printanywhere in your web browser.
- Log In: Enter your 14-digit library card barcode number in the “Barcode” box and your associated PIN in the “PIN” box.
- Upload Your Document: After successful login, you’ll be in the Print On Demand portal. Click the “Upload” button.
- Browse and Select Files: Locate the document(s) you want to print on your computer and select them for upload.
List
- Adjust Print Options (Optional): Once your document is in the “Job List,” you can adjust print settings like black and white or color, single or double-sided (available at copy machines), and number of copies. You can also preview your document.
- Release Your Print Job: Visit your nearest Brooklyn Public Library branch and go to a print release station. Log in with your library card and release your print job to print your documents.
Video Tutorial: Computer (Link to be embedded if available)
Printing from a Mobile Device (Smartphone or Tablet)
For quick and easy printing from your phone or tablet, you can use the email method.
Requirements:
- A mobile device with internet access (smartphone or tablet).
- An active email account.
- An active Brooklyn Public Library card or Guest Pass.
- Sufficient funds for printing.
Steps:
- Register Your Email (One-Time): Forward the document you want to print as an attachment to [email protected].
- Check for Welcome Email: You will receive a Welcome Email from Print on Demand with further instructions and login details.
- Log In and Register Email: Follow the instructions in the Welcome Email to log in using your library card barcode and PIN. This step registers your email address with the Print on Demand system. Note: This email registration is only required the first time you print from email.
- Email Your Documents: For subsequent printing, simply email your documents as attachments to [email protected] from your registered email address.
- Release Your Print Job: Go to a print release station at your chosen Brooklyn Public Library location. Log in with your library card and release your print job.
Important Note for Mobile Printing: Documents emailed for printing will default to color printing if any color is detected on the page, even minimal color. To ensure black and white printing and the lower per-page cost, make sure your document is entirely in black and white.
Video Tutorial: Mobile Device (Link to be embedded if available)
Exploring the Print On Demand Portal
The Print On Demand portal, primarily accessible via desktop or laptop, offers several helpful features to manage your print jobs.
Portal
Key Features:
- Account Balance: View your current library card balance and the cost of each print job before releasing it.
- Job Management: Delete print jobs that are no longer needed. Unreleased print jobs are automatically deleted after 48 hours.
- Document Preview: Preview your documents before printing to ensure they are formatted correctly.
- Print Options: Select black and white or color printing (if available for the chosen method).
- Duplex Printing: Choose single-sided or double-sided printing (double-sided printing is only available when releasing from a copy machine and charges per side).
- Copies: Adjust the number of copies you need.
- Activity Tab: Review your past print jobs, computer sessions, and account activity for your records (view-only).
Accepted File Types for Printing
Print on Demand supports a wide array of file formats to accommodate various document types:
- Documents: PDF (.pdf), Microsoft Word (.doc, .dot, .docx, .rtf), Microsoft Excel (.xls, .xlt, .xlsx, .xltx, .xltm .xlsm, .csv), Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx, .pptm, .pot, .pps, .potx, .ppsx), Microsoft Visio (.vsd, .vss, .vst, .vdx, .vsx, .vtx, .vdw), Microsoft Publisher (.pub), Open Office (.odt, .ods, .odp), Email Message Formats (.txt, .mht, .eml, .ini, .cfg)
- Images: JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg), PNG (.png), Bitmap (.bmp), GIF (.gif), TIFF (.tif)
Note: To print a webpage, you must first save it as one of the accepted file types, such as a PDF document.
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 apply in person.
How do I get a Brooklyn Public Library Guest Pass?
Guest Passes can be printed at the self-service kiosks available at every Brooklyn Public Library branch location.
Can I print a webpage or email using Print On Demand?
Yes, but you need to save the webpage or email as an accepted file type (like PDF) first, and then upload or email that file.
How do I pay for my prints or add funds to my account?
You can add money to your library card account at the self-service kiosks in any BPL branch using cash, credit, or debit cards.
How do I print double-sided?
When printing from a computer, you can select double-sided printing in the Print On Demand portal. You must then release your print job at a copy machine. Note that you will be charged for each side printed. Double-sided printing is not available when printing via email.
Why can’t I upload my file to Print On Demand?
The maximum file size for Print on Demand is 10 MB. Ensure your document is smaller than this limit.
How long are my files stored in the system?
Your uploaded files will be available for printing for 48 hours after upload. After this time, they are automatically deleted for security.
I didn’t receive my welcome email for mobile printing. What should I do?
- Check Internet Connection: Ensure your device is connected to the internet. Public buildings can sometimes block cellular signals.
- Spam/Junk Folder: Check your email’s spam or junk mail folders for the Welcome Email.
- Existing Registration: If you have registered your email previously, you won’t receive another Welcome Email. You will receive a notification email confirming receipt of your print job, and you can proceed to release your prints.
Brooklyn Public Library’s Print on Demand service provides a reliable and convenient way to print a document near you. Take advantage of this service at your local BPL branch and experience hassle-free printing today!
