Need to print documents but don’t have a printer at home or access to an office? Finding reliable Public Printing Near Me is easier than you think, especially when you utilize your local library. Libraries offer convenient and affordable printing services to the public, making them an invaluable resource for students, job seekers, travelers, and anyone needing to produce hard copies of digital documents.
This guide will walk you through how to access public printing services at your local library, focusing on the options available and how to make the most of them. Whether you’re a library card holder or a visitor, printing your documents is a straightforward process.
Printing with Your Library Card
If you have a library card, printing becomes incredibly simple. At most libraries, including the Boston Public Library (BPL), your library card number and PIN act as your login credentials. This single login grants you access to library computers, print management software, and the printers themselves.
Many libraries also offer a free printing allowance to cardholders. For instance, BPL provides a credit equivalent to $20 worth of printing at the beginning of each month. This generous allowance can cover a significant amount of printing needs, from resumes and cover letters to important documents and research papers.
Accessing Printing Services Without a Library Card
Don’t have a library card or prefer not to get one? No problem. Libraries typically offer alternative options for visitors and non-cardholders to access their public printing services. These options often include visitor passes and self-service print accounts.
Utilizing a Visitor Pass for Printing
For short-term printing needs, a visitor pass is a convenient solution. To obtain a visitor pass, simply inquire at the library’s front desk or ask a staff member for assistance. You’ll generally need to provide your first and last name to receive a visitor pass.
Visitor passes usually grant you access to library computers and include a small complimentary printing allowance. At BPL, for example, a visitor pass comes with a $1 printing credit, sufficient for approximately 5 black and white pages. Keep in mind that double-sided printing is often counted as two pages. While visitor passes are handy for small print jobs, they typically do not allow for adding additional funds.
Setting Up a Print Account for Extended Printing
If your printing needs exceed the allowance on a visitor pass, or if you anticipate needing public printing services regularly without a library card, setting up a print account is the way to go. Libraries often offer different types of print accounts to accommodate various payment preferences.
Kiosk Accounts for Cash Payments
For those who prefer to pay with cash, a kiosk account is usually the answer. These accounts are typically created at a self-service kiosk within the library, often identified by a specific color, like red kiosks at BPL. Creating a kiosk account usually requires an initial cash deposit, often starting from a minimum amount like $1. Once your kiosk account is set up, you can add more cash as needed for future printing jobs.
Self-Service Accounts for Credit or Debit Card Payments
If you prefer using credit or debit cards, a self-service print account is the ideal choice. These accounts are generally created online through a library’s printing portal. For example, BPL uses a portal called PrintCenter.BPL.org where you can sign up for a guest account. You’ll likely need an email address to register for a self-service print account. Similar to visitor passes, these accounts may also start with a small, one-time free printing credit as a courtesy.
By understanding these different options, you can easily access public printing near me at your local library, regardless of whether you have a library card. Libraries are committed to providing valuable resources to the community, and their printing services are a prime example of this commitment.
