The Wells County Public Library has the following available for in-house public use.
- Internet Computers
- 12 years or over.
- out-of-county patrons can ask staff for a “guest pass” to use a computer with valid ID
- available on a first come, first serve basis
- must have library card and PIN
- 60 minute time limit
- can renew time if no one else is waiting for a computer
- can bring own headphones to listen to audio
- Loanable Laptops
- 18 years or over
- must be a valid library card holder in good standing
- must have valid drivers license or other form of ID
- 4 hour loan period
- Educational Game Computers for Children
- Teen Internet Computers
- Printers and Copiers
- Letter size (8 ½ x 11) are 10¢ each/per side
- Legal size (11 x 17) are 20¢ each/per side
- Get $0.50 FREE per day of copies and prints
- Public Fax
- Bluffton and Ossian – $0.10 per page
- Scanner
The library offers a number of basic and intermediate computer classes throughout the year. Each class focuses on a different topic and includes everything from turning the computer on, using the Internet, using the word processing program Microsoft Word, editing digital photos, and much more.
Participants use library computers during the class. Exceptions must be approved by the instructor prior to the computer class.
Registration is required for all of the computer classes and class size is limited to 10-12 participants. If you are new to the computer, it is highly recommended that you complete the Computer Basics and Internet Basics classes and practice those skills before moving on to more intermediate classes.
Register online by clicking the title of the computer class on the calendar and then filling out the registration form. You can also register at the library or call 260-824-1612.
*All classes are free to those with a Wells County Public Library card. The only exceptions are any technology classes that are held in conjunction with the Senior Exploration event sponsored by the City of Bluffton Parks and Recreation. The small fee for that event covers meals and materials for all the programs offered during the Senior Exploration.
In addition to formal classes, the library also offers several drop-in computer clubs and fairs throughout the year.
- Computer Club meets the second Tuesday of every month from 1-2 PM.
- iPad Club meets the second Tuesday of every month from 2-3 pm.
- Fairs are held throughout the year on a variety of topics, including downloading eBooks on an eReader or tablet computer, using email, and more.
Participants can bring their own laptop, tablet computer, or eBook reader to any of the computer clubs or fairs. No registration is needed to attend any of the clubs or fairs. All skill levels are welcome to attend.
WEATHER CANCELLATION POLICY:
Bluffton – Main Library: On the days Bluffton-Harrison Metropolitan School District is closed due to inclement weather, programming is cancelled.
Ossian Branch: On the days Northern Wells School District is closed due to inclement weather, programming is cancelled.
Looking to gain computer skills? Need help performing common computer tasks? These websites can help!
BBC’s Beginners Guide to Using a Computer
Introduction to the very basics of computer use.
Beginner’s guide to the internet and email.
Several guides to help you get up to speed with technology.
Free learning tools to help make technology work for you.
Over 750 different lessons offerred absolutely free.
Tutorials based on pictures, not words. They walk you through tasks step-by-step.
Tutorial from the Palm Beach County Library System to help beginning computer users.
Simple excersizes for those new to using a mouse.
More exercizes to help you get the hang of using a computer mouse.
Designed with seniors in mind.
Teachers older adults and others with limited computer skills how to use popular websites on the Internet, including Facebook, Netflix, Ancestry, and more.
Testing & Education Reference Center
This INSPIRE database offers a Computer Skills section that has basic, interemediate, and advanced training in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and more.
A free online public service.
An eBook is an electronic book that can be read on your computer, mobile device or ebook readers. A downloadable audiobook can be listened to on your computer, mobile device, or portable listening device. IDL stands for the Indiana Digital Library. The Wells County Public Library is part of the IDL consortium with other public libraries in Indiana. This service provides access to eBooks, eAudiobooks and Magazines available for downloading onto your PC or transferring to a compatible device, through a company called OverDrive®. This service is available through your home computer using your library card number and PIN. To access the site go directly to https://idl.overdrive.com or go to the library’s website and click the Overdrive icon located under the online catalog search box. You can also access OverDrive by downloading the Libby App® on many compatible tablet computers or eReaders.
Questions & Information regarding eBook’s
At the Main Library in Bluffton and the Ossian Branch, you can use our copy machine to send faxes. Please see a staff member for assistance.
Cost
- Each page – $0.10
Payment Methods
- Cash, check or credit card – Visa, Master Card, American Express or Discover
The Wells County Public Library serves our community as an information agency and independent learning center. It is within this context that we offer access to the Internet.
- Library cardholders (ages 12 and older).
- Children (under age 12) under constant supervision of a parent or legal guardian who has Internet privileges.
- Out-of-county patrons will be issued a guest pass and PIN will be issued for that session.
Rules for Internet Use
All users must have their library card.
In order to insure patron privacy, it is the responsibility of the cardholders to have their card and PIN in order to log on to the Internet computers. Proper identification must be provided to the reference staff to obtain a PIN. Patrons can only use their own card number/PIN to log on or allowing another patron to use your card number/PIN to log on to an internet computer may result in the loss of internet privileges.
Use is on a first come, first serve basis.
Patrons are usually limited to 60 minutes unless no one else is waiting. There is to be only one person per computer. Exceptions must be approved by the Adult Services staff.
The Internet computers are filtered.
In compliance with the Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA), the library’s Internet connection is filtered to screen or block particular sites generally considered inappropriate in a family-friendly setting. Since filter software is not perfect and may not be capable of blocking everything that is inappropriate for public view, it is still the patron’s responsibility to make appropriate choices when accessing sites. As with other library materials, it is up to the parents, not the library, to provide guidance and supervision when it comes to their children’s use of the Internet. The library staff will authorize a filter override for adults, age 18 and older, wishing to access acceptable blocked sites.
Computers will be used for educational, informational, and recreational purposes only, not for unauthorized, illegal, or unethical purposes. Patrons may not send, receive or display text or graphics that may reasonably be construed as obscene, explicit, excessively violent, pornographic or inappropriate for family viewing.
Effort is made to keep the Internet computers updated and current.
However, the library cannot guarantee immediate compatibility with all functionality on every website. The library cannot be responsible for other website failures, and not everything posted on the web can be copied and printed.
Misuse of the library computer or Internet access will be determined by the library staff and will result in loss of Internet privileges and possible disciplinary action.
Patrons’ use of the public Internet stations should not be considered private.
The computers are in public view and search history may be available to subsequent users and staff. Sites accessed during an authorized override of the filter are reported to the library.
The library itself does not provide electronic mail (e-mail) service.
Patrons may access e-mail through e-mail providers such as Yahoo, Hotmail, Gmail, and other similar services.
Uploading and downloading of files.
Patrons may upload and download files to and from flash drives to the extent that the patron’s knowledge and our secure system will allow. The library is not responsible for information lost in this process.
The patron is responsible for all pages printed.
Printing Internet pages is unreliable and unpredictable. The result may not be as the patron expects. The library is not responsible for things that do not print as expected by the patron. To minimize costs for the patron and the library, patrons are encouraged to cut and paste Internet information into a word document for organizing before printing. Regular resident and paid cardholders receive a 50¢ printing credit per day. Additional prints are 10¢ each (b/w) and 50¢ each (color). Guest users receive no free prints.
The Wells County Public Library also provides wireless access to the Internet.
Patrons must provide their own portable wireless device or check out one of the library’s portable wireless devices to connect to the public wireless Internet. Technical support will not be available to patrons.
Patrons of the wireless access are subject to the terms of this policy.
The library is not responsible for any information that is compromised, or for any damages caused to the patron’s hardware or software due to electrical surges, security issues, or consequences caused by viruses or hacking.
If providing one’s own device, a library card is not needed to use the wireless network.
Printing is available. The same rules and fees apply as above.
Disclaimer
The Internet is an electronic highway connecting thousands of computers all over the world and millions of individual subscribers. With international access comes the availability of materials that would not generally be acceptable in a public library. It is technically impossible to prevent access to all resources that might be objectionable to some people.
Information available through the Internet is not validated by the Wells County Public Library to be accurate, authoritative, factual, or complete. The Wells County Public Library will not be responsible for any damages, losses, claims, obligations, or liabilities directly or indirectly relating to the use of the Internet. This includes loss of data, non-deliveries, improperly delivered, or service interruptions. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user’s own risk.
Library Staff Assistance
The staff cannot provide in-depth training but may be able to offer searching suggestions and answer questions when time allows.
AtoZdatabases uses GPS to find public libraries within a 20-mile radius of the user’s location giving free, unlimited access. Bringing the Library to the Patron. Library Card Holders can enter their library cards once and access anytime, anywhere 24/7!
- The AtoZdatabasesapp is available as a free download from the iTunes Store.
Available for: iPhone®, iPod Touch®, iPad®
BookMyne
BookMyne allows library patrons to search the Library’s online catalog, renew checked out items, place and cancel holds, check account details and navigate to our website.
- The BookMyne app is available as a free download from the iTunes Store or Android Market.
Available for: Android™, iPhone®, iPod Touch®, iPad®
Download eBooks and audiobooks from the library’s Overdrive collection directly to your iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.
- The OverDrive Media Consoleapp is available as a free download from the iTunes Store.
Available for: Android™, iPhone®, iPod Touch®, iPad®, Windows Phone 7
Libby
LibbyThe new and improved way for iOS and Android users to check out eBooks and audiobooks from OverDrive! Read and listen on your mobile device with the Libby app, e-ink device, or computer. Free with your HEPL card!
Kindle users can continue to use the Overdrive app.
WiFi
- Free wireless internet access (WiFi) is available at both library locations.
- You can connect with your own device, or, if you are a library card holder in good standing, you can checkout one of our notebooks to use.
- Look for the wireless network named “WCPL-WiFi”.
- You do not need a library card to connect to the wireless internet.
- Wireless internet connection is filtered. If you are 18 years of age or older you may request a staff member to override the internet filter.
- Be sure your wireless card or device is turned on and set to use WiFi
- Open a web browser on your device.
- It will automatically connect to the library’s WiFi network and you can begin searching the internet.
- The Library’s wireless network is not secure. Information sent from or to your laptop can be captured by anyone else with a wireless device and the appropriate software, within three hundred feet.
- No guarantee can be provided that you will be able to make a wireless connection.
- The Library assumes no responsibility for the safety of equipment or for laptop configurations, security, or data files resulting from connection to the Library’s network.
- Library staff cannot assist you if you have issues. Instead try some of the troubleshooting suggestions above.
Bluffton Main Library Printing
Wireless printing is available from any device with Internet access. Please email your document, pictures or materials you would like printed to print@ricohprintcloud.com
You will then receive a confirmation email containing your print code. Please Visit the Multi Function Copy machine located in the Reference area. Touch the screen and select Print Cloud. Staff are available to assist.
Ossian Library Wireless Printing
Please see a Library Staff member for help printing from a mobile device.