Computers & Technology FAQs

  • General Questions

    Red Deer Public Library has computer workstations at all branches. Check the hours and locations page to locate the nearest library branch.

    Scanning is available at the Downtown Branch only (free, but requires a library card to log in).

    No, we do not currently offer faxing services. Check one of these locations for faxing inquiries.

    All of our public computers offer:

    • Internet access.
    • Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and Publisher. 
    • Note: All personal information and working documents are cleared after the session ends. You are responsible for saving your materials to your own device, such as a USB memory stick (these can be purchased at the Member Services desk). 

    Accessible Computer Workstation

    Located at the Downtown Branch, the Accessible Computer Workstation has accessible features like magnifier, narrator, high contrast, enlarged mouse, enlarged keyboard, and an adjustable table. It can be used up to 2 hours per day with a valid library card.

    We have free wifi at all branches. Just search for the 'RDPL' network (or 'RDPL_TL' at the Timberlands Branch) to connect – no password required.

    Customers are allowed 2 hours of access per day, with more time permitted if computers are available.

    Yes, and if you are planning to save documents this is the best option as all personal information and working documents are cleared from the computer when your session ends. If you don’t have your own USB drive, we have some for sale. 

    At this time, we are not able to reserve computers. They are available on a first-come, first served basis. 

    Yes! A special free library card called an e-card is available for anyone who only wants access to the computer stations (e-card holders are unable to check out items from the library). Out of town visitors can also register for an e-card in order to use the public Internet stations.

    The Downtown Branch has charging lockers on Levels 2 and 4. Each unit has six docking stations for cell phones and two stations for tablets and each comes equipped with an Apple Lightning , micro-USB  and USB-C cable. The docking stations are secured via a user-created password.  

    All three branches also have plug-ins near seating areas for charging laptops or phones, provided you bring your own charging block and cables.

    Please note, charging stations are not monitored. You are responsible for the security of your device.

    Yes! Our staff are happy to help you with your basic technology needs on a walk-in basis, but if you require more in-depth assistance (i.e. more than a few minutes), you can book a free one-on-one Tech Help appointment with a member of our Tech Help Team!

    Fill out the form at rdpl.org/techhelp or ask staff at any branch to request an appointment.

    Computer access, including printing services, is available at all of our library branches during open hours. Computer sessions may be limited to two hours per day during peak times.

  • Printing Services

    Printing and photocopying are available at all branches, with the following fees in place:

    • Black and white: $0.25 per page.
    • Colour: $0.50 per page.
    • Note: double-sided printing and photocopying will charge for both sides of the page. 

    Yes, you can now upload and print documents on Red Deer Public Library's public printers right from your laptop, tablet, phone, or other device! Visit rdpl.org/print to learn how.

    Document types available are:

    • Microsoft Excel: xlam, xls, xlsb, xlsm, xlsx, xltm, xltx
    • Microsoft PowerPoint: pot, potm, potx, ppam, pps, ppsm, ppsx, ppt, pptm, pptx
    • Microsoft Word: doc, docm, docx, dot, dotm, dotx, rtf, txt
    • PDF*
    • Picture Files: bmp, dib, gif, jfif, jif, jpe, jpeg, jpg, png, tif, tiff

    *NOTE: Password protected documents and fillable PDFs (including some provided by the Government of Canada) are not supported with this service and they require user input to open the file to print.

    Print jobs will remain in the queue for 4 hours and then they are automatically deleted.