
Get started with Public PCs
Access to the public computers is free to all visitors. Allegheny County library card holders will need to enter their library card number to log in, while non-cardholders may request a guest login. Patrons don’t need to make a reservation just to use public PCs.
Visitors receive up to two hours per day on the public PCs, divided into two one-hour sessions. Library staff can grant additional time as necessary for patrons to complete tests, classes, job applications, etc.
Public PCs on the first floor are disability priority access PCs.
Public PC software
Public PCs are equipped with Windows 11 and the latest version of Microsoft Office 365.
- Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome are all installed as browser options.
- Adobe Acrobat Reader is installed and available for protected and fillable PDFs.
- Several free and open-source creative apps are installed, including Blender, Inkscape, and Audacity.
- Accessibility tools including a screen reader and magnifier are installed.
- Apps which do not require an administrator password can be temporarily installed on public PCs, but will be erased on logout.
Security and privacy
Dormont Library and other county libraries have several measures in place to preserve the security and privacy of visitors’ information.
- Microphones are disabled by default on public PCs.
- PC webcams have a physical slider lens cap.
- All browsers are set to “incognito” or “private” mode, so closing a window removes all history and cookies.
- PCs are protected with antimalware software and Deep Freeze and will reset to a default setup after every logout. All documents saved to the public PC’s storage are also deleted on logout.
Public Wi-Fi
Public wi-fi access is available in the building whenever we’re open and 24/7 in the parking lot or as far as the signal reaches. A library card is not required to access the public Wi-Fi service.
Use the “Dormont Library” network to connect to our access points. When connecting, your device should show a prompt to click a “log in” button. If the prompt to log in doesn’t appear, open your device’s internet browser and try to visit any website.
Availability and signal quality are not guaranteed and may be affected by factors beyond our control.