Computer Reservations/Free Internet
Do all DPL libraries have free Internet access?
Yes. Please check our hours of operation for your preferred DPL branch location.
Do I need to reserve a computer?
Yes.
How do I make a reservation?
Reservations are available for the current day only. Come to the Denver Public Library and place your reservation from the reservation terminal or ask a library staff member to place a reservation for you. You may reserve a terminal over the phone prior to coming in by phoning the library branch location where you plan to use the computer.
You will need a Denver Public Library Card to place a reservation. To obtain a card, you will need your photo I. D. and proof of your current address. Remember to bring your card or the library card number to the library, as you will need that exact number to log into the system when you arrive.
May I make reservations on any library computer?
You may make a reservation on a reservation terminal or ask a staff member to do it for you. You may also walk up to a terminal that is not in use or reserved and log in with your library card.
What if I make a reservation and I don’t show up or show up late?
You may cancel your reservation at the reservation terminal or ask a staff member to cancel it for you. If you called to make a reservation, you may call the branch back and ask them to cancel it for you. If you do not show up at the library and log in within the first 10 minutes of your reserved time, your session will be cancelled automatically and you will not be able to log into a 2-hour terminal until the following day.
What is a 20-minute terminal?
A 20-minute terminal is used for quick transactions or computer searches. These terminals will log you out after 20 minutes.
What is a 2 hour terminal?
A 2 hour terminal allows you to log into it for one session that can be up to 2 hours in duration. You are allowed one log in on a 2 hour terminal per day.
How will I know if my session is over?
The computer will have a ticking clock for you to watch during your computer session. You will also be given warnings 10 minutes, 6 minutes, and 3 minutes before your session ends to allow you time to save your work or wrap up your computer transactions.
Why can’t I have more time on the 2 hour computer if no one is waiting for them?
By having a consistent limit, every user has the same opportunity to use the Library’s computers.
What if I am working on an important project or doing legitimate research?
Our policy is to make information and resources available without making distinctions about the value or purpose of a customer’s computer time. Whether you are doing research, checking e-mail or playing a computer game, all customers are allowed the same amount of computer time.
What happens if I need to leave my computer workstation briefly or do not enter information for a few minutes?
If you need to leave your 2 hour computer briefly, you can lock the computer then unlock it before your session expires.
If you have not pressed a key on the keyboard for a ten-minute period, a message will alert you to press a key. If you do not press a key within 15 seconds, the software will end your session.
If I am unsure of how to use the equal access software, how can I get help?
Please check with a staff member. They can either walk you through the reservation or log in procedure or they can make the reservation for you at the reference desk.
Will the library keep records of my computer use?
No. It is the Denver Public Library's practice to minimize the retention of customer use records to only those absolutely necessary for library use. When you close your computer session, all history, cache, and cookies are deleted. We will not be able to retrieve any information, including web sites you visited, passwords you entered, or other information you input. At the end of the business day, all user ids are purged. Therefore, at the end of the day we will not have any record that you used a computer at all.
What if I am not a cardholder or from out-of-town and want to use a library computer?
Please ask for assistance from a staff member. They will either assist you in obtaining a library card or issue you a guest card.
Why is the Denver Public Library asking customers to use Equal Access Software?
Our computers are very popular and very heavily used. This system is a fair way to make the computers available to more people each day. By reserving a computer for a designated time period, you are assured of having a computer available at a requested time.
Denver Public Library Online ©
Updated: January 08, 2008
