Public Use Computers and Internet Access Policy

Patrons with accounts in good standing may have up to three one-hour computer sessions per day. The card that is being used for Internet access must not have fines or fees above $5.00. All users must follow the Library's Internet Access Policy. All removable devices must be scanned for viruses by Library staff prior to their use. Those without a valid library card who want to use the Internet are encouraged to get a card.  If they do not wish to get a card, they may use the computers as a "Guest" and are allowed a one-hour session per day. Staff may ask for ID of persons without library cards to verify if he/she is 18 years old or older.

A parent or legal guardian of children under the age of 18 must sign the Internet Agreement form to allow minor children to access the internet. Children under the age of 18 may use their own library card or the card of their parent, legal guardian, or adult family member over 18 years old. Likewise, an adult family member may use the card of a spouse or other adult family member over 18 years old to use library computers.

To assure parental guidance in children's use of the Internet in the Library:

1. In order to access the Internet, children 12 years old and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, adult family member over 18, or teacher who remains with the child at the computer during the entire time the child is accessing the Internet.

Children 13 through 17 may access the Internet on their own. Their parent or legal guardian must have given them signed permission on the Internet Use Agreement. Children who arrive at the Library without a card may have their Internet use permission verified in the patron database. They must show proper ID.

If Internet computers are shared by two or more children 13 through 17 years of age without a parent or legal guardian present, all users must meet one of the following criteria:

They must have their own library card and have had a parent or legal guardian sign an Internet Use Agreement giving them permission to use the Internet;

They must use a card of a parent, legal guardian, or adult family member 18 years old or older;

Their parent or legal guardian must have given them signed permission on the Internet Use Agreement.

Despite the use of filtering software, there may be Internet resources accessed which are inappropriate. Because the Library is a public place, Library staff has the authority to end an Internet session.

Library staff will assist Internet users in a manner consistent with other Library services. The availability of staff and needs of other Library users will necessarily affect the extent of assistance in Internet use.

Public Wi-Fi

Open access Wi-Fi is available at all library branches.

Printing

Black and white prints from computers are $.25 per page. Color prints from computers are $1.00 per page. Print jobs may be sent to the Lexington Main Library, Batesburg-Leesville Branch Library, Irmo Branch Library, Cayce-West Columbia Branch Library, and the Chapin Branch Library for release and pickup using our mobile print service.

Copying, Scanning and Faxing

Multifunction copiers are available at all branches.  These copiers provide photo scanning, document scanning, faxing, and black and white copying. Faxing is $1.00 per page and copying is 25 cents per page.