Self-Service Laptop Kiosks

Self-service laptop kiosks are available for in-library use at our Central Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, Northwest Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park-Cotati, and Sebastopol branches. Each kiosk holds 12 full-featured laptops and offers you a flexible option for going online anywhere inside the library.

In addition to providing internet access on self-service laptops, each branch has additional features:

Central Santa Rosa: Specifically configured laptops for use with E Street Studios programming, including audio/video editing software for content creators.

Healdsburg, Northwest Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park-Cotati, and Sebastopol: Laptops include standard public PC software including Microsoft Office.

• Who is eligible to checkout a latop?
  Any Sonoma County Library Patron with a valid General Library card over 18 years old and without fees over $100 can checkout a laptop.
• How can I borrow a kiosk device?
  Follow the on-screen instructions on the kiosk in English or Spanish. These instructions include reading and accepting the Kiosk Device Terms of Use.
• How long can I borrow a kiosk device?
  The time limit is two hours.
• Can I extend the time on my checkout session?
  No, but you can check out another laptop for another two hours if one is available. Getting a new laptop ensures that the battery has a fresh charge.
• Can I print from a laptop?
  Yes, you can print to the library copy machine in the same way as the public PCs.
• Do I have to sign a kiosk device use form?
  No signature is required but you must read and accept the Kiosk Device Terms of Use each time you borrow a laptop.
• Do you restrict where I can take the kiosk device?
  The laptops are for library use only and cannot be taken out of the library building.
• Is there a receipt for borrowing?
  Once the laptop ejects from the slot, a receipt will automatically be sent to your email. The subject line will show, “Laptop Checkout Receipt” and the receipt will include your library card number, the location of the kiosk, and the date/time of checkout.
• What do I do if the kiosk device is not functioning properly when I first borrow it?
  First, notify staff. Then, return the laptop to the kiosk. Please choose the on-screen option that describes the problem you had, then check out another device if available.

• What happens if I lose or damage the kiosk device?
  You are responsible for the loss or damage up to the total cost of the laptop per the Kiosk Device Terms of Use you accepted when borrowing it.
• Why can’t I borrow a device someone else just returned?
  The kiosk needs a little time to delete the previous patron’s data and recharge the battery. This takes six minutes and during that time the laptop cannot be borrowed.
• Why are some of the kiosk devices not able to be borrowed?
  A laptop cannot be borrowed while it is in charging mode or if it was reported damaged. Charging laptops will show up as yellow on the kiosk screen. Damaged laptops will show up as yellow with a wrench icon. Damaged devices will be repaired and replaced as soon as possible.
• How do I connect to the wireless network?
  Log in to the laptop right after you borrow it, and the device will automatically connect to the Sonoma County Library wireless network.
• When I return the device, what happens to any data I have left on it?
  Laptops are wiped clean after each use, to protect your privacy.
• What if I get a virus?
  All laptops are 100% virus-free when you borrow them. If you get a virus while using the laptop, a simple reboot will remove it. NOTE: Save your work to an external storage device first.
• Can I store data on the drive temporarily?
  Yes, but we recommend you use an external storage device (like a flash drive) and save your work there. If the laptop reboots at any time during your borrowing time, all data is wiped out.

• I agree to use the laptop in accordance with the Safe Library Use Policy.
• I agree to take proper care of the laptop.
• I understand that I am financially responsible for the loss of or damage to the laptop ($1,000 or more).
• I agree to alert staff immediately if I experience a problem with the laptop.
• I agree to keep the laptop with me for the entire time I am using it.
• I agree not to let anyone else use the laptop.
• I agree to return the device to the kiosk when my time of use is up.

• I understand that the laptop can only be used within the library and cannot be taken outside the library.
• I understand that the laptop can be used for up to 2 hours, per session.
• I understand that documents or other work created must be saved to an external storage device such as a flash drive or cloud storage.
• I understand that all files and downloads will be deleted when the laptop is rebooted.
• I have read and agree to abide by the Laptop Terms of Use.