Computers for Adults

Internet Computers

Patrons from any Chicagoland public library are welcome to use the computers at the Forest Park library. These PCs have the latest web browsers and Microsoft Office installed. A sign-up station near the computers assigns PCs and maintains a waiting list if all PCs are in use. Session length is one hour, and can be extended if there is no-one waiting to use the computers. You'll need to have your library card number with you to sign up. Both color and black-and-white printing is available, at 50 cents/page for color and 10 cents/page for black-and-white.

Express Internet

Just need to check your email or print a document? You won't have to wait long for one of these PCs offering 15 minute sessions. Only black-and-white printing is available on the Express PCs.

Digital Video and Design Lab

The digital video lab gives you the tools to creatively express yourself. Projects must be saved on portable memory - external hard drives are available for checkout and flash drives are sold at the reference desk. Reservations for this room may be made up to a week in advance. A Forest Park library card is required to use some accessories.

• iMac with OSX 10.6 Snow Leopard
• A graphics tablet
• Adobe Creative Suite 5 Design Premium
• Final Cut Express video editing software
• iWork '09 (Pages, Numbers, Keynote)
• Software reference library

Laptop Computers

Wireless laptops with the same software as our Internet Computers, plus Skype and a webcam, can be checked out for use in the library. You must present a valid photo I.D. and Forest Park library card, which will be held while the laptop is checked out. The laptops will print in black-and-white only.

Other Equipment

The library has a variety of scanners (film/negative, flatbed, and barcode), cables, adapters, mice, headphones and other computer accessories available for use in the library. A Forest Park library card is required to use some accessories.

Computers for Kids

The Youth Services Department on the lower level has several computers that have been configured especially for children in preschool through age 12. Both desktop PCs and laptop computers are available for use. Children must have a signed parental permission slip before they can access the Internet. We also have:

• Two Early Literacy Stations
• Two Homework Computers with access to our online research tools

Computers for Teens

The Teen Territory room has internet computers, as well as a 3D TV and several video game consoles. Laptop computers are also available. Teens must have a signed parental permission slip before they can access the Internet. See teenterritory.org for more information.

Wi-Fi Access

Free wireless Internet access ("WiFi") is available to patrons with wireless-enabled devices, including laptop computers, tablet PCs, and PDAs.

Assistive Technology for our Blind and Visually Impaired Patrons

One of our Internet Computers is configured with assistive technology. Appointments may be made to use this computer up to a week in advance, with your Forest Park library card.

• ZoomText magnification software
• Scanner with OCR capability