Finding a place to print documents doesn’t have to be complicated. At the Boston Public Library (BPL), printing is readily available and user-friendly, whether you’re a library card holder or a visitor. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to print your documents at BPL.
Printing with Your Library Card
If you have a BPL library card, printing is incredibly convenient. Your existing library card number and PIN provide seamless access to library computers, the print management system, and the printers themselves. As a bonus for library card holders, you receive $20 of free printing credit at the start of each month. This makes it an economical option for regular printing needs.
Printing as a Guest: Options for Visitors
For those who are not eligible for a library card or prefer not to get one, BPL offers guest options to print documents. You can utilize either a visitor pass for basic printing or a self-service print account for more extensive needs.
Using a Visitor Pass for Printing
To obtain a visitor pass, simply ask any library staff member for assistance. You will need to provide your first and last name to receive a pass. This visitor pass grants you access to the library computers, allowing you to retrieve and prepare your documents for printing. Each visitor pass includes an initial credit of $1, sufficient for printing up to 5 black and white pages. Remember that double-sided printing is counted as two pages. Please note that visitor passes cannot be reloaded with additional funds.
Setting Up a Print Account for More Printing
If your printing needs exceed the allowance provided by the visitor pass, or if you don’t have a library card, setting up a print account is the next step. BPL offers two types of print accounts to accommodate different payment preferences:
Kiosk Account for Cash Payments
If you prefer to pay with cash, you’ll need to create a Kiosk account at one of the red kiosks located within the library. Creating a Kiosk account requires an initial cash deposit of at least $1. Once you have set up your Kiosk account, you can proceed to print documents from a library computer. For any help with Kiosk accounts, library staff are available to assist you.
Self-Service Account for Credit or Debit Card Payments
For those who prefer to pay using a credit or debit card, a Self-Service Print account is the ideal choice. You can register for a Self-Service Print account by visiting PrintCenter.BPL.org and signing up as a guest. Although the instructions on the website are geared towards printing from a personal laptop, you can easily adapt them for use on a library computer. You will need a valid email address to complete the registration. Your new Self-Service Print account will start with a complimentary $1 printing credit as a welcome gesture.
In summary, Boston Public Library provides multiple accessible options for anyone needing to print documents. Whether you are a member or a visitor, printing is straightforward and designed to meet your needs.
