Equipment

In-Library Services and Equipment

In addition to free Wi-Fi throughout the building, the library offers the following services and equipment for use in the library:

Equipment Available for Checkout

The library offers the following equipment for checkout to patrons:

Technology Equipment Policies

Equipment Details

LaunchPad Tablets

Children's tablets with pre-programmed literacy and STEM activities are available for checkout from the library. These tablets may be checked out for 21 days by adult patrons (age 18 and older) with a library card that is at least 3 months old, has no overdue materials and has no fines. The patron's driver’s license must match the library’s records. Tablets may be renewed if there are no holds on the item.

Desktop Computers

The library has 12 desktop computers equipped with Microsoft Office for public use. Public computers shut down 15 minutes prior to the library closing. 

West Fargo Public Library Card Holders

Patrons with a West Fargo Public Library card may reserve a computer at the self-service kiosk or by signing in directly at an available computer. Patrons will need their library card number and PIN (last name).

Visitors

Visitors without West Fargo Public Library cards may obtain a guest pass to use a computer at the Service Desk.

Children

West Fargo Public Library recognizes the right and the responsibility of parents to determine their child’s use of computers. Library staff will not deny access to computers on the basis of age, nor will they monitor children’s access to the Internet; this is the responsibility of the parents. Although the Library’s access to the Internet is filtered, no filter is foolproof, and parents are strongly encouraged to monitor their children’s activities.  

Time Limits

Computers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. General computer use is limited to one hour. If you need uninterrupted access for a longer time period for a specific purpose (online classes, creating a resume, etc.), please inform staff at the Service Desk. It is often helpful if you call in advance to make arrangements, at 701-551-8940.

Storage Devices  

Saving files or software to the public computers is not permitted – all saved and downloaded files are deleted when the user session ends and the computer reboots. Patrons must provide their own storage device for saving files.

Digital Piano

A Roland digital piano is available for public use during the library’s hours of operation. View the library's Piano Use Policy (PDF).

Faxing

The library provides incoming and outgoing faxing services for patrons. Fax fees are $1 per page sent or received. For outgoing faxes, the library provides a cover sheet and does not charge patrons for faxing the cover sheet.

The library cannot guarantee that outgoing faxes have been received; the patron should check with the receiving party to confirm fax receipt.

Photocopying

Self-service photocopying is available at 10 cents per page for black and white or 50 cents for color.

Printing

Self-service printing is available at 10 cents per page for black and white or 50 cents for color.

The library also offers a wireless printing option for users to send documents to the library's printer from anywhere at any time to be picked up and paid for later during the library’s open hours.

Scanning

The library offers scanning at no charge to the public. Ask the Service Desk for information or help using these scanners. Scanners are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Patrons may save scans to a flash drive or send them via email. Patrons must provide their own storage device.

  • KIC Scanner (public computers, lower level): Good for scanning documents, especially double-sided documents or documents with many pages. Also capable of scanning bound books.
  • Large Format Scanner (Historical Center, lower level): Good for scanning documents, photos, slides, and photo negatives. Must have a staff member present to use.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots allow you to connect to the internet on a Wi-Fi-enabled device at home or on the go. Hotspots may be be checked out for 21 days by resident cardholders with a library card that is at least 3 months old, has no overdue materials, and has no fines. The patron's driver’s license must match the library’s records. Hotspots checked out by youth cardholders must be signed for by a parent or guardian. 

Hotspots may be renewed if there are no holds on the item. Reserve a hotspot in the library's online catalog. 

Please note before hotspot use: 

  • Hotspots are not intended to replace multi-user or multi-function high-speed internet services like you'd expect from a home modem or router. 
  • T-Mobile only provides 25GB of data per hotspot each month. Once a hotspot reaches this limit, T-Mobile gives it a lower data priority. This means it will run slower and be unable to handle as many connections at once. The library is unable to control this.
  • High-speed internet through a hotspot is also dependent on the T-Mobile coverage map:  https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map 
  • Streaming, gaming and using multiple devices for extended periods will likely result in slow internet speeds.
  • Be sure to disconnect your devices from the hotspot when you're not using them. Many devices (especially phones and smart TVs) will continue to drain data from the hotspot if connected when not in use.
  • If the hotspot you have checked out is slow, please contact the library to see if another hotspot is available. Hotspots are available on a first come, first serve basis.