BORROW DEVICES & EQUIPMENT
UPDATE: March 18, 2021:
You may now borrow Kobo eReaders and Chromebooks from the Library. See below for more information on how to borrow these devices.
Conditions of Chromebook Loans
A Chromebook is a smaller, easier-to-use alternative to a Windows laptop or MacBook. Chromebooks run on the Google operating system Chrome OS. The Chromebooks on loan from the Library are designed to let you quickly and easily access the Internet, browse websites, participate in meetings and coursework using Zoom and other online tools, or create documents online using programs such as Google Docs.
Chromebooks may be borrowed with the following conditions:
The Library does its best to ensure the Chromebooks have been cleaned prior to lending but we encourage borrowers to continue to take the necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. When cleaning Chromebooks, DO NOT SPRAY any substance directly on the Chromebook. Spray a soft cloth and gently wipe the device clean.
- When loaning the Chromebooks, the Library checks all ports, connections, keyboards, and casings for damage prior to loaning and performs the same check upon return of the device. Any damages identified will be charged to the patron’s account.
- The Library lends Chromebooks as availability permits, on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Chromebook borrowers must be 13 or older and have a valid Adult NWPL card to borrow a maximum of one Chromebook per card at one time.
- Chromebooks may be borrowed for 21 days and renewed provided there are no holds on the item.
- Chromebooks are Wi-Fi enabled and connect automatically to CityPublicWiFi when in range. Users must adhere to the City of New Westminster’s Internet Use Policy when connected to CityPublicWiFi.
- Downloads and files stored on the Chromebooks will be automatically deleted after each session. Please save your work on flash drives or online. On return of the Chromebook, NWPL staff will perform a factory re-set of the device, deleting all files and personal information from the Chromebook. Lost work cannot be retrieved.
- NWPL assumes no responsibility for hardware or software failure, viruses, network interruptions, or other problems which prevent the use of Chromebooks. The library assumes no responsibility for files that are lost or corrupted due to these or other reasons. The library does not grant time extensions as a result of these events.
- The borrower assumes full responsibility for the cost of repair or replacement in the event the Chromebook is lost, stolen, or damaged while loaned to the borrower. Replacement cost is $295.
How to borrow a Chromebook
To borrow a Chromebook:
- Use the library catalogue to search for the keyword “Chromebook”
- Place a hold on the Chromebook using your Library Card.
- When notified that the Chromebook is ready, you may pick the Chromebook up on the 2nd floor of the library at the iConnect desk or at the Queensborough branch information desk.
Important Note:
- All Chromebooks must be picked up at the iConnect Desk or the Queensborough information desk
- All Chromebooks must be returned to the iConnect Desk or the Queensborough information desk
- DO NOT return the Chromebook through library book return slots
Conditions of eReader Loans
The library currently loans a selection of Kobo eReaders- some preloaded with a variety of titles. All of our eReaders can download books from the Overdrive/Library2Go collections. If you purchase any books using your own Kobo account, please note that these books will be erased once the eReader is returned to the library.
eReaders may be borrowed with the following conditions:
The Library does its best to ensure the eReaders have been cleaned prior to lending but we encourage borrowers to continue to take the necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. When cleaning eReaders, DO NOT SPRAY any substance directly on the device. Spray a soft cloth and gently wipe the device clean.
- When loaning the eReaders, the Library checks all connections and casings for damage prior to loaning and performs the same check upon return of the device. Any damages identified will be charged to the patron’s account.
- The Library lends eReaders as availability permits, on a first-come, first-served basis.
- eReader borrowers must be 13 or older and use their valid NWPL card to borrow a maximum of one eReader per card at one time.
- eReaders may be borrowed for 21 days and renewed provided there are no holds on the item.
- eReaders are Wi-Fi enabled.
- Downloads of ebooks to the eReaders will be automatically deleted when the device is returned.
- NWPL assumes no responsibility for hardware or software failure, viruses, network interruptions, or other problems which prevent the use of eReaders. The library assumes no responsibility for files that are lost or corrupted due to these or other reasons. The library does not grant time extensions as a result of these events.
- The borrower assumes full responsibility for the cost of repair or replacement in the event the eReader is lost, stolen, or damaged while loaned to the borrower. Replacement cost is $325.
How to borrow an eReader
To borrow an eReader:
- Use the library catalogue to search for the keyword “Kobo”.
- Place a hold on the device using your Library Card.
- When notified that the eReader is ready, you may pick it up on the 2nd floor of the library at the iConnect desk.
Important Note:
- All eReaders must be picked up and returned at the iConnect Desk on the 2nd floor of the Library’s Main Branch.
- DO NOT return eReaders through library book return slots
Conditions of Launchpad Loans
Playaway Launchpads are simple tablets pre-loaded with educational apps for young children on a variety of subjects. They do not have internet access. We recommend that children use Launchpads with supervision from a parent or guardian. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 1 hour per day of screen time for children aged 3-5. Parents should view media with children to help them understand what they are seeing and apply it to the world around them.
Launchpads may be borrowed with the following conditions:
The Library does its best to ensure the Launchpads have been cleaned prior to lending but we encourage borrowers to continue to take the necessary precautions to ensure personal safety. When cleaning Launchpads, DO NOT SPRAY any substance directly on the Launchpad. Spray a soft cloth and gently wipe the device clean.
- When loaning the Launchpads, the Library checks the case, charging cord, and adapter for damage prior to loaning and performs the same check upon return of the device. Any damages identified will be charged to the patron’s account.
- Launchpad borrowers must be 13 or olderand have a valid Adult NWPL card to borrow a maximum of one Launchpad per card at one time.
- Launchpads may be borrowed for 7 daysand renewed once provided there are no holds on the item.
- The borrower assumes full responsibilityfor the cost of repair or replacement in the event the Launchpad is lost, stolen, or damaged while loaned to the borrower. Replacement cost is $254.
How to borrow a Launchpad
To borrow a Launchpad:
- Available Launchpads are on display in the Children’s area. Choose which one you want, and staff at the Children’s desk (or Queensborough branch information desk) will exchange the display case for the Launchpad and check it out to you.
- If there are no Launchpads available, you can place a hold or have us do this for you.
To place a hold on a Launchpad:
- Use the library catalogue to search for the keyword “Launchpad”
- Place a hold on the Launchpad you would like using your Library Card.
- When notified that the Launchpad is ready, you may pick it up at the Children’s desk at the Main Branch, or at the Queensborough branch information desk.
Important Note:
- All Launchpads must be picked up at the Children’s Desk or the Queensborough information desk
- All Launchpads must be returned to the Children’s Desk or the Queensborough information desk
- DO NOT return the Launchpad through library book return slots
