Technology Resources

Guelph Public Library supports equitable access to information with the provision of our technology resources. We want to help you thrive in the digital age! These resources are free to access with a valid Guelph Public Library card, unless otherwise listed.  

Internet Resources

Resource	Description	Loan Period
Internet computers	Internet computers are available at every library location (except the Bookmobile). They may be accessed with a valid Guelph Public Library card or with a guest pass. Use a computer for 60 minutes at a library branch or for as long as you need at the Main Library. These computers have Microsoft Office 2019, USB slots, and the ability to print.	N/A
On-site Wi-Fi	All Guelph Public Library locations have publicly available Wi-Fi.	N/A
Wi-Fi hotspots	Borrow a Netgear Wi-Fi hotspot or Samsung Galaxy Tab A to connect multiple devices to the internet.	One week
Wi-Fi enabled tablets	Borrow a Wi-Fi enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab A. Tablets may be used as hotspots to connect multiple devices to the Internet. You are required to have a Guelph Public Library card and photo I.D. to borrow a Wi-Fi enabled tablet.	One week

Find more internet resources in our community. 

Digital Device Resources

Resource	Description	Loan Period
Internet computers	Internet computers are available at every library location (except the Bookmobile). They may be accessed with a valid Guelph Public Library card or with a guest pass. Use a computer for 60 minutes at a library branch or for as long as you need at the Main Library. These computers have Microsoft Office 2019, USB slots, and the ability to print.	N/A
Accessible computers	Screen magnification, text narration, and an on-screen keyboard are available on all public computers. There is a large print keyboard and trackball mouse available for use at each library location. Accessed with a valid Guelph Public Library card or with a guest pass.	N/A
Laptop and tablet loan	Devices can be checked out at the Circulation desk at the Main Library with a valid Guelph Public Library card. In-library use only.	Two hours
Wi-Fi enabled tablets	You may borrow a Wi-Fi enabled Samsung Galaxy Tab A. Tablets may be used as hotspots to connect multiple devices to the Internet. You are required to have a Guelph Public Library card and photo I.D. to borrow a Wi-Fi enabled tablet.	One week
Chromebook loan	Chromebooks are available for loan to Upper Grand District School Board students with a valid Guelph Public Library card.	One week
Chromebook loan	Chromebooks can be checked out with photo I.D. and a valid Guelph Public Library card.	Two weeks

Find more digital device resources in our community. 

Learn Digital Skills

Resource	Description
Tech Help	Meet with a library staff member who will provide one-on-one tech help! Appointments are one hour in length. See our Get Tech Help page for more details.
LinkedIn Learning	LinkedIn Learning provides online courses on topics covering business, technology and creative fields. Access content anytime, anywhere with the offline viewing option available through the mobile app. Download the mobile app on the App Store and Google Play. Library ID (case sensitive): guelphpubliclibrary
Makerspace	Learners can discover, experiment and create using our many software and technology offerings in a hands-on learning environment. Available at the Westminster Square library branch. See our Makerspace page for more details.
Library programs	Guelph Public Library occasionally offers digital skill building programs or programs series. See our Events Calendar page for upcoming programs.
Robotics	Various robotics are available to borrow as an easy way to learn coding and other digital skills.  See our Library of Things page for more details.

Find more free or low-cost digital skill building opportunities in our community. 

Additional Technology Resources

Resource	Description
Accessible technology	We have a variety of assistive devices available, including the C-Pen Reader 2, Boox Note Air3C, Echo II Smartpen, PlayStation Access Controller, DAISY players, Envoy Connect audiobook players, desktop video magnifiers, handheld video magnifiers, and trackball mice. Learn more from our Accessibility page.
Printing and photocopying	Both black and white and colour printing are available on letter and legal sized paper. This is not a free service. See our Printing and Copying page for more details regarding cost.
Wireless printing	Send prints from your personal device with an internet connection. Both black and white and colour printing are available on letter and legal sized paper. Printing is not a free service. See our Printing and Copying page for more details regarding cost.
Scanning	Scan documents into digital copies. Copies can be saved to USB, sent to an email address or printed. Printing is not a free service. See our Printing and Copying page for more printing details regarding cost.
Microsoft office 2019 software	All internet computers have Microsoft Office 2019 available for use.
Adobe suite software	Access to InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Adobe XD, and more! Available at the Westminster Square library branch with an appointment. See our Makerspace page for more details.
Audio equipment and software	Available at the Westminster Square library branch with an appointment. See our Makerspace page for more details.
Video equipment and software	Available at the Westminster Square library branch with an appointment. See our Makerspace page for more details.
Portable DVD player	Watch movies on the go with our portable DVD player. It has a 7" screen and includes built in speakers and a headphone jack. Available for a two week loan period.
3D Printing	Print 3D objects with a 3D printer. Available at the Westminster Square library branch with an appointment. See our Makerspace page for more details.
Microfilm	The Main Library has microfilm machines available for use. For more information on these machines see our Archives page.
Virtual court services	All Guelph court appearances are now operating via Zoom video conference or by telephone. The Library, in partnership with Legal Aid Ontario and the John Howard Society of Waterloo-Wellington, offers court tablets for individuals to use if they need to attend Guelph court appearances virtually. Visit the Main Library at 100 Norfolk Street and ask library staff for a court tablet. You are not required to have a Guelph Public Library card; however, you will be required to provide some form of collateral, such as identification, to borrow the court tablet. If you require any assistance, please ask library staff. When your court appearance is over, return the court tablet to library staff in exchange for your collateral.
Digitization equipment	Available at the Westminster Square library branch with an appointment. See our Makerspace page for more details.

Digital Equity

Technology is increasingly required for work, school, health care, social supports and to connect with friends and family, yet many people experience barriers to technology resources.  These barriers create gaps or a "digital divide" between people who have access to technology resources and those that do not. Those who experience challenges to participate in modern society can also experience negative socio-economic and health outcomes. 

The digital divide can look like:

• Low-quality and unreliability of internet service
• High setup costs or increasing monthly costs
• High cost of devices
• Low ability/skills to use digital devices
• Hesitancy or fear to engage with technology

The Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition has created a Digital Access Guide which helps to connect community members in need of digital supports to resources like internet hotspots, devices and skill building. View or print the Digital Access Guide. 

If you or someone you know experiences digital barriers please contact the Guelph Public Library or the Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition who will be happy to connect you to technology resources. 

Guelph Public Library is a lead member of the Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition, a community led group that takes action to address digital inequity in all its forms. Learn more about the coalition’s work or how you can get involved by visiting the Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition website.

Do you offer free digital skill building opportunities?

The Community Technology Collection (CTC) empowers organizations in Guelph and Wellington County to provide free digital skill-building opportunities to community members. By partnering with the Guelph Wellington Digital Equity Coalition (GWDEC), you gain direct access to digital devices that support GWDEC's priorities: advocacy, technology access, and capacity building. This initiative enhances your ability to bridge the digital divide and foster digital inclusion in our community.​

Email the Digital Services Librarian to learn more about accessing the resources within the Community Technology Collection. 

Community Technology Collection

Resource	Description
Teaching kit: Chromebooks	Includes 10 student Chromebooks, one instructor Chromebook and 11 mice which are stored in a portable charging device.
Teaching kit: Galaxy Tab S9	Includes 10 student tablets and one instructor tablet which are stored in a portable charging device.
Owl web cam	Incudes 360° conference camera, mic, and speaker. The Owl web cam is used for creating a hybrid experience for meetings, conferences or events.

Digital equity considerations in librarianship

Digital access is not just about devices and Wi-Fi—it’s about dignity, opportunity, and connection. We are committed to advancing digital equity not only as a service, but as a core value and a catalyst for community resilience. We are sharing our considerations to embedding digital equity within library practices to drive systemic change across the field. In an era where access to information increasingly depends on digital connectivity and skills, we believe libraries must lead the way in making digital equity a core pillar of our collective mission—not a peripheral service, but a fundamental right.

Here are some questions to think about when developing your library's practices: