We offer a variety of technology for public use at our Central Library and branch locations, including:
Computer Access
We offer Internet access, Microsoft Office, printing, scanning and more on desktop computers located on the second floor of the Central Library as well as at our Hoffman Estates and Hanover Park branch locations. We also have computer stations just for children available in the Youth Department.
Use your Library card to log on to any computer. Don't have a card? Get a guest pass from our Reference Desk.
All adult computers at our Central Library, and all computers at our branch locations, are available for a maximum of 5 hours per day. Teen Place and Youth Department computers are limited to 2 hours per day.
All computers will shut down 5 minutes before the Library closes each day.
Laptops
We have both PC and Mac laptops available for use inside the Central Library (PCs at both branches, too!). Stop by the Reference Desk to see if one is available. These have no time limits but must be returned 15 minutes before the Library closes. Schaumburg or Reciprocal adult cardholders only.
You can also check out a 13-inch MacBook Pro or 15-inch PC laptop kit for use at home. Each kit includes a computer bag, WiFi hotspot and a mouse.
Here's what else you need to know:
- Schaumburg adult cardholders only. (If you don't have a Schaumburg Library card and live in our service area, you can get a Library card online immediately!)
- Two-week checkout period. Need it longer? You can renew — as long as there are no other holds.
- Each laptop is equipped with the Microsoft Office 2019 or 2021 suite of programs, Zoom and Photoshop Elements.
- Data will be wiped automatically after each login. Make sure to save to the cloud or on a flash drive to avoid losing any documents.
Place a hold on a laptop kit, select your pick-up location, and we'll let you know when it's ready! Pick up is available at all three Library locations, including the Central Library's Drive-Up Window. Please don't request locker pick up; they simply don't fit!
Wifi
Free wireless Internet access is available throughout the Library and in our parking lots. Just select the network named LIBRARY; no password needed.
Through a partnership with the Village of Schaumburg, we've also extended Wifi access to Town Square. Connect to LIBRARY-TOWN SQUARE.
Mobile Hotspots
Access the internet wherever you need it with our mobile hotspots! Wirelessly connect up to 15 devices and browse the internet for hours with unlimited data.
Reserve a hotspot online now or stop by the checkout desks at the Central Library to see if one is available.
- Schaumburg cardholders only. (If you don't have a Schaumburg Library card and live in our service area, you can get a Library card online immediately!)
- Checkout limit of 1
- 14-day loan
- Reservable, but not for a certain date
Printers & Copiers
Printers and copiers are available for public use at all Library locations.
Black and white prints cost 10¢ per side for letter (8 ½" by 11") and legal (8 ½" by 14") sizes. Color prints are 50¢ per side.
You can pay for your printouts at the print station with cash or a credit card.
Wireless printing allows you to send a print job to the Library from anywhere. Upload your document and visit any Library location. After uploading, you will create a guest name. Enter your guest name and pay at any of the Library's print stations to retrieve your print job. Print jobs are held for 24 hours.
Printing an email? Just forward it to us. For black and white, email @email. Send color jobs to @email. After you send your email to us, you'll receive a confirmation email from no-reply@eprintitservice.com with your 8 digit numerical code. Enter your code at any of the Library's print stations to retrieve your print job.
Scanning & Faxing
Use our Simple Scan at all three Library locations to upload your photos and other documents. Then email, fax, or save them to a USB drive.
Both flatbed (great for photos!) and document (quick feed for jobs with many pages, even double-sided) scanners are available.
Scanning is free; faxes cost $1 per page. We accept cash or you can pay by debit or credit card.
Digital Media Equipment Collection
Check out a lighting kit, tripod, and more as part of our Digital Media Equipment Collection. These items are limited to Schaumburg Library cardholders only. The check out period is 7 days, but the items are eligible for renewal and can be placed on hold. There are no limits on the number of items from this collection that can be checked out to the same card.
Look online to see what's available via our Library of Things. Dummy cases of available items are also on display near the Central Library Workshop on the first floor. The dummy case can be exchanged for the equipment at check out.3D Printer
Send us your 3D object file and we can make you a print with our Bambu X-1 Carbon 3D printers!
Complete our 3D Print Request Form to send us your file.
Please note:
- We accept project files in the following formats:.stl, .3mf, .stp, .step, .amf, and .obj. Quality may vary depending on file type used.
- Print time cannot exceed eight hours for a single item, or 20 hours total for the week. Jobs that require printing of multiple components may drop in the queue position.
- Max print size for our 3D printers is 249mm H x 256mm W x 228mm D.
- Please allow up to seven days to receive your finished model.
- Printed projects cost 10¢ per gram and you can pay upon pickup. Failure to pay will result in a one-month suspension from 3D printing.
- Objects are not guaranteed to come out as intended. Print quality is affected by any number of variables. The Library does not refund printing fees for completed items which do not come out as intended.
- Staff reserve the right to refuse to print any item and printing rules are subject to change at any time.
Questions? Send an email to @email.
VHS & Other Tape Transfers
Transfer VHS, Video8/8mm and mini DV tapes using equipment at the Library. Due to the high volume of requests at this time, an appointment is required. Request an appointment now or contact the Movies and Music Desk at (847) 923-3182 for more information. We also have VHS to DVD and 8mm/Super 8 to MP4 at-home kits available for checkout.
Digitize audio cassettes and vinyl, too. No appointment required; stop by the Reference Desk at the Central Library to use the equipment. Need help? Book a Tech for assistance.
Please note that transfer equipment is for use at your own risk. The Library is not responsible for any damage that may occur to your original media or personal device.
Typewriter
Need to use an old-school typewriter? We have one available at the Central Library. Call (847) 923-3347 or ask at the second-floor Information Desk for more information.
Microfilm Reader
Use the microfilm reader/printer at the Central Library to view our collection of historical publications, including the Daily Herald, Chicago Tribune and Wall Street Journal. We also have digitized versions of many newspapers available.