Do you need to print important documents but don’t have a printer at home or access to an office? Finding a reliable and convenient “Printing Document Near Me” solution can be crucial. Fortunately, the Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) offers a fantastic service called Print on Demand, allowing you to print documents remotely from your own device and pick them up at any neighborhood library branch. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using BPL’s Print on Demand service, making printing documents near you easier than ever.
Printing from Your Computer: Step-by-Step Instructions
For those who prefer using a computer, the BPL Print on Demand portal offers a straightforward way to upload and print your documents. Here’s how to get started:
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, ensure you have the following:
- A Computer with Internet Access: This could be a desktop, laptop, tablet, or even a smartphone with a web browser.
- Web Browser Compatibility: The portal works seamlessly with popular browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Internet Explorer.
- Active BPL Library Card or Guest Pass: You’ll need a valid library card or guest pass to access the service.
- Printing Funds: Printing costs are affordable: just 10 cents per black and white page and 50 cents per color page.
Uploading Your Document
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Visit the Print on Demand Portal: Open your web browser and go to bklynlibrary.org/printanywhere.
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Login to Your Account: You’ll see a login box. Enter your 14-digit library card barcode number in the “Barcode” field and your associated PIN in the “PIN” field.
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Access the Portal: Once logged in, you’ll be directed to the Print On Demand portal. Click the “Upload” button to begin.
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Select Your File: Browse your computer to locate the document you want to print and select it for upload.
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Review and Adjust Settings: After uploading, your document will appear in the “Job List”. Here, you can preview your document and adjust print options as needed.
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Release Your Print Job: Visit your nearest Brooklyn Public Library branch and use the print release station to retrieve your printed documents.
A list view in the Print on Demand portal showing uploaded print jobs and options to adjust settings like copies and color.
A view of the Print on Demand portal’s job list, highlighting options for managing print jobs before release at a library printer.
Video Tutorial: Printing from a Computer
For a visual guide, BPL may offer video tutorials on their website or linked within the portal to further assist first-time users.
Printing from Your Mobile Device: Email and Print
Printing documents near you using your mobile device is equally convenient with BPL’s email printing option. Here’s how to print directly from your smartphone or tablet:
Requirements for Mobile Printing
- Mobile Device with Internet Access: A smartphone or tablet with internet connectivity.
- Active Email Account: You’ll need an active email account to send your documents.
- BPL Library Card or Guest Pass: Ensure you have a valid library card or guest pass.
- Printing Funds: The same affordable printing fees apply: 10 cents per black and white page; 50 cents per color page.
Emailing Your Files to Print
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Register Your Email (One-Time): Forward your document as an attachment to [email protected]. This registers your email with the Print on Demand system.
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Follow Welcome Email Instructions: You’ll receive a welcome email from Print on Demand with instructions. Follow these to complete the registration process, which usually involves logging into the portal once to link your email and library card.
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Email Documents for Printing: Once registered, simply email your documents as attachments to [email protected] whenever you need to print.
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Release at Library Printer: Visit your local Brooklyn Public Library branch and use the print release station to access and print your documents.
Important Note on Color Printing from Mobile
Be aware that if your document contains any color, it will be printed in color and charged at the color rate (50 cents per page). To ensure black and white printing and the lower rate, your document must be entirely black and white.
Video Tutorial: Mobile Printing
Similar to computer printing, BPL likely offers video tutorials for mobile printing on their website or within the portal for visual learners.
Understanding the Print On Demand Portal Features
While the core function is printing documents near you, the Print On Demand Portal offers several useful features, primarily accessible from a computer:
A view of the Print on Demand portal interface showing options for account balance, print history, and job settings.
The Print on Demand portal interface, displaying key functionalities like balance checks, print job management, and settings adjustments.
- Check Your Balance: View your current library card balance and the cost associated with each print job directly in the portal.
- Manage Print Jobs: Delete print jobs you no longer need. Note that jobs are automatically deleted after 48 hours for security and efficiency.
- Preview Documents: Ensure your document is formatted correctly by previewing it before printing, saving both paper and money.
- Choose Print Options: Select between black and white or color prints, depending on your needs and budget.
- Select Single or Double-Sided Printing: Opt for double-sided printing to save paper. Remember, double-sided printing is only available when releasing your print job at a copy machine and you are charged per side.
- Adjust Copies: Easily specify the number of copies you need directly within the portal.
- Activity History: The “Activity” tab provides a view-only history of your print jobs, computer sessions, and other account activity for your records.
Accepted File Types for Printing
The Print on Demand service supports a wide range of file types, ensuring compatibility with most document formats:
- 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)
- Images: JPEG (.jpg, .jpeg), PNG (.png), Bitmap (.bmp), GIF (.gif), TIFF (.tif)
- Email Formats: Text (.txt), MHT (.mht), EML (.eml), INI (.ini), CFG (.cfg)
Note: If you need to print a webpage, you must first save it as a supported file type, such as a PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Print on Demand
How do I get a Brooklyn Public Library card if I don’t have one?
You can easily apply for a library card online or visit any BPL branch to register in person.
What if I only need to print once and don’t have a library card?
For occasional printing needs, you can obtain a Guest Pass from the self-service kiosk at 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 a supported file type (like PDF) before uploading or emailing them to the Print on Demand system.
How do I pay for my print jobs and add funds to my account?
You can add funds to your library card for printing at the self-service kiosks available at all Brooklyn Public Library locations. These kiosks accept cash, credit, and debit cards.
Is double-sided printing available?
Yes, double-sided printing can be selected through the Print on Demand portal when using a computer. However, you must release your print job at a copy machine to enable double-sided printing. Note that you are charged for each side printed. Double-sided printing is not available when printing via email.
Why can’t I upload my document to Print on Demand?
The Print on Demand service has a file size limit of 10 MB per document. Ensure your file is within this limit.
How long are my uploaded files stored in the system?
For security and privacy, files are available for printing for 48 hours after being uploaded and are then automatically deleted.
I emailed my document from my mobile device but didn’t receive a welcome email.
First, ensure your device has a stable internet connection, as cellular signals can be weak in some public buildings. Also, check your email’s spam or junk folders. If you have already registered your email 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.
By utilizing Brooklyn Public Library’s Print on Demand service, you have a convenient and affordable solution for “printing documents near me”. Whether you are using a computer or mobile device, BPL makes it easy to get your documents printed quickly and efficiently at a location near you.
