Computers
Computers are available to use while you are at the Library. Options include:
- Stand-up guest computers that are best for quick use that you can use for 15 minutes.
- Microsoft Windows or Apple macOS sit down computers for adults that Lincolnwood resident cardholders can use for up to 4 hours and nonresidents can use for up to 2 hours. High school aged teens who can work quietly at their respective computers may use the computers in the Adult Services Department.
- Youth stand-up and sit down computers are reserved for the use of children, younger teens, and the caregivers who have children with them and must remain nearby.
For your privacy, all documents, files, and folders saved to Library computers are erased after each session. To keep work, email it to yourself, save it to an Internet service, or move it onto a USB flash drive or hard drive.
See the printing, copying, scanning, and faxing page for information about printing.
Windows computers
Eight desktop computers featuring Microsoft Windows are available for use. They have basic software like:
- Google Chrome
- Mozilla Firefox
- VLC
- Adobe Reader
- Microsoft Edge
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Publisher
- Accessories like File Explorer, Notepad, Paint, Photo Viewer etc.
These computers connect directly to printing and have USB-A ports for plugging in flash drives to work with your own files.
Specialized Media Station
One Apple desktop Mac Mini computer is available for adults to use along with a digital media conversion station. The software allows you to explore your creativity in digitization, conversion, video, audio, and design projects.
All projects must be saved to an external memory device like a flash drive, hard drive, or memory card.
Hardware
- CD/DVD drive
- Epson Perfection V600 Photo Scanner
- Emerson VHS to DVD Converter and Elgato Adapter
- Preview monitor
- Ion Max LP Conversion Turntable
- Ion Digital Conversion Cassette Player
Software
- Many Adobe Creative Suite applications including
- Photoshop - advanced image editor
- Illustrator - advanced vector graphics viewer/editor
- InDesign - advanced publishing)
- Premiere Pro - advanced video editor
- Acrobat Pro - PDF creator and editor
- iMovie - basic video editing
- Garageband - basic audio recording/editing
- Logic Pro - advanced audio recording
- Final Cut Pro - advanced video editing
- VLC Media Player - audio and video player
- Elgato Video Capture - VHS to digital conversion
- EZ Vinyl/Tape Converter - analog audio to digital conversion
- Apple Music
- Audacity - advanced audio recording and editing
- Roxio Toast Titanium 20 - advanced disc editing, burning, and copying
Example uses of the Mac
- Convert VHS home movies to digital or DVD format
- Convert vinyl records and audio cassettes to digital format
- Scan or edit photos and slides
- Modify PDFs
- Copy discs
- Edit digital music
- Printing projects created in Photoshop or other applicaitons
Mac Mini
One Apple desktop Mac Mini computer is available for adults to use with software for audio, visual, and design projects. All projects must be saved to an external memory device like a flash drive, hard drive, or memory card.
Software
- Many Adobe Creative Suite applications including:
- Photoshop - advanced image editor
- Illustrator - advanced vector graphics viewer/editor
- InDesign - advanced publishing)
- Premiere Pro - advanced video editor
- Acrobat Pro - PDF creator and editor
- Adobe Firefly - AI image creation
- Apple Music
- Audacity - advanced audio recording and editing
- Roxio Toast Titanium 20 - advanced disc editing, burning, and copying
- VLC Media Player - audio and video player
Hardware
- CD/DVD drive
WiFi Internet
A free, wireless network is available throughout the Library.
Use your device settings to find and connect to LPLD-WiFi and set your device to remember the connection for future visits.
If you have trouble connecting to LPLD-WiFi try this link to the Wifi User Agreement page.
Technology accessories for sale at the Circulation Desk
- USB Flash Drives (2GB) - $5
- USB Flash Drives (16 GB) - $10
- CD-R & CD-RW - $1
- DVD-R & DVD-RW - $1
- Headphones - $5
If you need help connecting to WiFi or using computers, ask at the Adult Services or Youth and Teen Services desks, call us at 847-677-5277, or email us.
To learn more about various technology topics, see our archive of on-demand technology classes.