Printing & Computers

All Library branches offer printing, scanning, Internet access, and computers for performing basic communication tasks, such as email and word processing.

Wireless Printing

Connect your device to hclwireless Wi-Fi.
To submit an in-person print job, click on your branch’s wireless printing link below or on the branch page.
Choose a printer and upload your file(s).
Go to the print release station to confirm your job. Tip: look for the web-print icon.

Central Branch Wireless Printing

East Columbia Branch Wireless Printing

Elkridge Branch Wireless Printing

Glenwood Branch Wireless Printing

Miller Branch Wireless Printing

Savage Branch Wireless Printing

Technology Use

Wireless Internet access (Wi-Fi) is available at all HCLS branches.

Use your wireless-enabled device (tablet, laptop, etc.) to gain access to high speed Internet. Please note that due to network security considerations, access to proprietary email clients and the ability to print to HCLS machines is not available via HCLS Wi-Fi.

Network Identifier or the SSID: hclwireless

Enter the SSID into your Wi-Fi card configuration. Make sure that WEP encryption is turned off.

Need help? Check the wireless card manufacturer’s Web support page.

Browse the Internet using one of the “best-in-class” web-browsers: Firefox, Chrome or Opera.
Work using word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software from LibreOffice (open, modify, print and save Microsoft Office files and store them in their “native” formats).
Message using Meebo, cross-platform instant messaging products which lets IM users sign in with AOL, MSN, Yahoo, and other IM accounts.
Manage photographs and images using F-Spot.
Play and listen to audio via Real Player (bring headphones or buy a pair from the library for $1) or play one of 88 educational games offered from GCompris or ChildsPlay.
With PACs featuring CDRom drives, listen to music using Amarok.
Manage your IPod using GTKPod.
Access files from the popular USB “thumb drives” (bring one or buy one from the library for $12).

For user guides for all software featured on Howard County Library computers, see the PAC Help Page.

Howard County Library System is committed to using free software whenever possible.

Public Computer Help

Groovix is a Linux-based operating system from Open Sense Solutions which is an innovative, amazingly efficient way to bring web browsing, web-based applications, word processing, multimedia and more to libraries.

Groovix Help

Do we need to general information about scan/faxing capabilities and help here?