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.
| 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 |
| 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. Alternate formats are available upon request in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act by contacting Library Communications at 519-824-6220 extension 239 or by email. You may also submit the Alternative Formats and Communication Supports Request Form. We will work together with you to best meet your needs as soon as possible. |
N/A |
| Laptop and Tablet Loan | Devices can be checked out at the Circulation desk 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 |
| 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. |
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Trackball Mouse |
Trackball mice are designed for both left and right hand users, and include a large 55mm trackball that allows for precise and ergonomic movements. Trackball mice are available for two hour loan, in-library use. |
| 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. |
| Various 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. |
| 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. |
| Charging Stations |
Charge your device at the Main Library with one of our charging stations. You are encouraged to stay with your device at all times. |
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.
GWDEC: A Collaborative Approach to Reducing Pandemic-Driven Digital Inequalities is funded by the Government of Canada under the Community Services Recovery Fund.
GWDEC: Une Approche Collaborative pour Réduire les Inégalités Numériques Provoquées par la Pandémie est finance par le gouvernement du Canada sous le Fonds de relance des services communautaires.
Contact(s)