PC access
We have computers in all of our libraries. Our services include:
- free wifi in all our libraries
- internet access on all library computers
- Microsoft Office on some computers at every library
- screen reading software on some computers
Book a computer
We operate an automated booking system for using our computers. You will need your library membership number and PIN.
For more information on how to become a library member to use the computer service see Join the Library.
You can book a computer in person at the library - all of our branches have a computer where you can book an internet session. You can also book a computer online.
Please note: computers cannot be booked 15 minutes before the libraries close.
Start your session
When you book your session you will be allocated a particular computer.
When your session is about to start your details will appear on the screen. Type in your library card and PIN and this will activate the session.
How long does a session last?
You can book a maximum of one hour per day free. You can break this down into smaller sessions, such as four 15 minute sessions or two 30 minute sessions.
End your session
Seven minutes before the end of your session a warning message will appear alerting you to save your work as your session will end soon.
Failure to act on this message will result in your work being lost. We cannot recover your work after your session has ended.
When your session is over the computer will reboot and make itself ready for the next user.
What happens if I am late for my session?
You should aim to arrive on time for your session, but if you do arrive late, you will have up to 10 minutes to log on and start your session.
After 10 minutes your session is cancelled and you will need to re-book your session. Another session may not be immediately available. You will also lose 10 minutes from your allocation.
Printing
Costs to print from a library computer or your own device (per sheet) are:
- A4 black and white: 25p
- A4 colour: £1.20
- A3 black and white: 50p
- A3 colour: £1.65
Need to print school related activities for your children? We have free printing available from children computers in our libraries.
Please speak to library staff for more information.
Borrow a tablet
We've a brand new digital service which is available now to our customers in Chelsea Library, Kensington Central Library and North Kensington Library.
‘Hublets’ are Samsung Galaxy tablets which customers can borrow for use within the library. All you need is your Kensington and Chelsea library card and PIN to release a Hublet for up to one hour use, completely free.
The Hublets are ready to browse the internet using the library’s wifi, and are preloaded with some commonly used apps. For example, you can access our eBooks and eMagazines with the Libby app. Prefer to listen to the eAudiobooks on Libby? You can connect your headphones to listen to your stories, or watch videos via YouTube, without disturbing other library users.
Simply returning the device to the docking station will log you out of any websites you have visited and clear any information you have downloaded to the device, ensuring that the Hublet is charged and ready for the next customer.
Photocopying
If you want to photocopy something from a book, our self-service photocopying charges are:
- A4 black and white: 30p
- A4 colour: £1.00
- A3 black and white: 55p
- A3 colour: £1.80
Acceptable use of technology
Find out more about the acceptable use of technology in libraries and archives:
Contact us
For more information about our computer facilities, telephone 020 7361 3010 or email [email protected].