The Portage District Library makes every effort to be a place where you can come to access technology. We offer the following services in our building:

Computer Access
You can use your library card barcode number to access the Internet and software on our computers. If you do not have a library card, you can get a guest pass at the circulation desk. Computer time is limited to one hour per day.

Available Software
Microsoft Office: Excel, Power Point, and Word loaded on all computers. Certain file types may not be downloaded on desktop PCs.

Internet Access
We are a wireless hotspot. You will need a library card to access the internet on your laptop, or you may check out available laptops for in-library use. You may also use our desktop computers available in the adult area on the upper level and the teen area on the lower level.

Internet Policy and Filters
Internet stations on the upper level are not filtered, but patrons may not access pornographic sites by Michigan state law. You can find more information here ( link to policy here).

Internet stations in the children’s and young adult rooms are filtered. Patrons under the age of 18 must have a permission slip signed by a legal guardian to access any machine.

Downloading
You may download any type of file on a circulating laptop, but some types of interactive sites may be blocked. Certain file types may not be downloaded on desktop PCs.

Additional Services

• Research computers: We have a bank of computers that can be used for an unlimited amount of time to browse magazine and newspaper databases
• ADA Computer: We provide a computer behind the information desk for patrons who are visually impaired. On that computer, we can change the resolution of the screen or the speed of the mouse.
• Game computers (Lower Level): There are four computers with educational games in the children’s room, and one with cool games on it in the teen room, which can be used by anybody in the library.
• Nonstandard drives: We circulate attachments from behind the information desk.
• Ask at the information desk if you are unsure which machine is best for your needs.
• We can provide limited assistance to patrons unfamiliar with using a computer, but we do teach a series of beginning computer classes. (link here)