Each branch of the St. Lucie County Library offers internet-connected computers that use the Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system, have a CD/DVD drive, USB and headphone ports, and the software listed below. A library card isn't required but allows you to use a computer without visiting the service desk.

Software
Standard Windows 10/11 programs including Paint, OneNote, etc.
Full Microsoft Office 2013 or 2016 suite including Access
Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome browsers
Gimp image editor
Audacity sound editor
VLC Media Player
The full Adobe Creative Cloud suite is available in the Lewis Branch Multimedia Studios.

Hardware

Flatbed scanner (at least 1 at each branch)
Microfilm reader at Kilmer Branch Library
For purchase, earbuds ($1)
For purchase at Kilmer, Hurston and Lewis Branch Libraries, 4 GB USB drives ($5)

Laptops for In-Library Checkout
The Port St. Lucie Branch's public computers are laptops that can be used in the library. The Lewis Branch has a laptop for private video chats in the conference room. 

CAC Reader
A CAC (common access card) reader and a laptop with a Department of Defense browser certificate installed on it are available at the Port St. Lucie Branch to allow military personnel to securely access military information on the internet. The laptop and reader can be transferred to another branch if desired. 

Printing

Black & white printing is available at all branches for $.10 per page, color printing for $.50 per page.

Wireless printing from your phone, tablet or laptop is available at all branches.

Bring your tablet or phone for free hands-on help! Call, email or ask at your local branch to reserve 30 minutes of personalized one-on-one instruction.

Para instrucción en español llame al 772-871-7229.

Pou enfòmasyon an kreyòl rele nan: (772) 871-7258.

Typical topics include:

• Discovering and learning how to use popular apps like Facebook and Twitter for communication and social networking
• Learning how to download free e-books and audiobooks--including current best-sellers--and music
• Problems and questions you have concerning basic use of your laptop, tablet or phone
• Creating and using an email account
• How to search the internet and use the library's free databases to find reliable, useful information

Please remember to bring all your passwords & your library card and be sure to charge your device!

Please note services are limited to informational help with everyday tasks done by most users. We are not able to perform maintenance, assist with ongoing projects, or do work commonly done by IT professionals. 

Appointments are limited to 2 per person per month.

Appointments are required, and available at the following times and locations

• Kilmer (Fort Pierce) Branch Library, generally available during open hours. For appointments call 462-2190.
• Hurston Branch Library, generally available during open hours. For appointments call 462-2154.
• Lakewood Park Library, Tuesdays 9 am - 11:30 pm, Friday 2 pm - 4:30 pm, Saturday 9 am - 11:30 am and 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm. For appointments call 462-6870.
• Lewis Branch, Wednesdays & Fridays 3 - 4 pm. For appointments call 871-7258.
• Morningside Branch Library, Wednesdays & Fridays 2 - 4 pm. For appointments call 337-5636.
• Port St. Lucie Branch Library, Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays 2 - 4 pm. For appointments call 871-5450.
• Pruitt Campus Library, for appointments call 772-336-6381 or email ccurtiss@irsc.edu.

For times and locations of technology classes please click here. On the calendar page click on an event for more information. If you have further questions please call the branch where the event will take place. Phone numbers appear in the event details.

Conquer your iPhone or Android Smart Phone
You will learn about the different features and functions of your Android or Apple phone or tablet. Once you complete this series you’re sure to know all the ins and outs! Space is limited.

• Part 1 for iPhone - The Basics
• Part 2 for iPhone - Intermediate
• Part 1 for Android - The Basics
• Part 2 for Android - Intermediate

The Memory Studio at the Susan B. Kilmer Branch Library provides tools and resources to preserve your unique history. Older media like film reels and VHS tapes degrade over time and need to be converted before they become unusable, and digitizing photos preserves them and makes them easy to share. The Memory Studio offers conversion equipment for a wide range of older media including photographs, 8mm and Super 8 film, photo negatives, CDs and audio cassettes, vinyl records, and Hi-8 and VHS tapes. Non-copyrighted DVDs can be converted to .MP4 and other formats, and software is available to enhance your content after it’s been converted.

While the Studio is do-it-yourself, basic orientation to features and tools is provided. Book a reservation, bring your Saint Lucie County library card (or get one when you come in), attend an orientation and sign the User Agreement to get started. Adult card holders (16 and older) are welcome, those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult with an active library card. Reservations are required, and the Studio accommodates individuals or small groups. To make a reservation call the Kilmer Branch at 772-462-2187.

Bring your own storage device to save your project, though a limited number of 4 GB flash drives are available for purchase for $5. Black and white printing is 10 cents per page and color prints are 50 cents. Photo paper is not available and is not compatible with our printers. The Digital Studio is not soundproof, so you will be required to keep the volume low if other patrons are affected. Over-the-ear headphones are provided. 

Guidelines

Use of Memory Studio includes, but is not limited to, the following expectations:

1. The stations are intended for digital projects and are unavailable for general computing activities such as word processing, research, scanning, etc. 
2. Equipment cannot be removed from the studio.
3. The Library is not responsible for any damage or loss of physical materials, data or media due to any cause while using library equipment.
4. The Memory Studio is provided “as-is” and there is no warranty of any kind that the facilities are suitable for any particular use or function.
5. The Memory Studio is available only during regular branch hours.
6. The Studio will host library programs and workshops; these programs will be given priority in reservations.
7. Cardholders may place reservations up to two weeks in advance either by telephone (772-462-2187) or in person at the reference desk.
8. Card holders are limited to no more than two sessions per day, or four per week. 
9. Each reservation is for two hours. If no one else is waiting time may be extended.
10. Reservations will be held for 15 minutes. After that the Studio may be made available to the next person or group waiting to use it.
11. The Library reserves the right to cancel reservations as needed.

Please feel free to ask questions or give feedback. Patron input is essential to develop the Memory Studio to best serve the community.

For more information call 772-462-2187 or email reference@stlucieco.org

The Adult and Teen Multimedia Studios at the Paula A. Lewis Branch Library provide access to software and equipment for video, music, photography, and design projects. If you're a videographer, anime designer or future music star, creation stations have the software and equipment to turn your vision into a reality. Both Studios are suitable for users of all levels, and designated staff can provide assistance with equipment and/or software. A selection of relevant reference books are also within easy reach.

The Adult Studio is open to users age 16 and up, and the Teen Studio is open to ages 11 to 17. Because it's located in a public area, users of the Teen Studio are required to use supplied headphones for audio projects. 

Software
The full Adobe Creative Cloud suite, Corel Paint, Mixcraft Pro Studio, Hue Animation Studio, Audacity, Arduino coding software, and Scratch programing software.

Reservations are required. To make a reservation at the Lewis Branch call 772-871-5470. Groups can reserve both stations simultaneously. Bring your own storage device to save your project, though a limited number of 4gb flash drives are available for purchase for $5. Black and white printing is 10 cents per page, color prints are 50 cents.

You are permitted to record songs or vocals and play your own instrument, but the studio is not soundproof and you may be asked to keep the volume low.

For more information call 772-871-5470 or email lbtech@stlucieco.org.

The DIY (do-it-yourself) Digital Studio at the Morningside Branch Library will provide resources to preserve obsolete media, along with advanced tools to create new multimedia content.

Older media like film reels and VHS tapes degrade over time and need to be converted before they become unusable, and digitizing photos preserves them and makes them easy to share. The Digital Studio offers conversion equipment for a wide range of older media including photographs, 8mm and Super 8 film, photo negatives, CDs and audio cassettes, vinyl records, and Hi-8 and VHS tapes. Non-copyrighted DVDs can be converted to .MP4 and other formats, and software is available to enhance your content after it’s been converted.

Tools and software are also available to create new content, including a greenscreen to facilitate post-production photo background changes, a microphone and drawing tablet, along with software programs like Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, and Reaper Sound.

While the Studio is do-it-yourself, basic orientation to features and tools is provided. Book a reservation, bring your Saint Lucie County library card (or get one when you come in), attend an orientation and sign the User Agreement to get started. Adult card holders (16 and older) are welcome, those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult with an active library card. Reservations are required, and the Studio accommodates individuals or small groups.

Bring your own storage device to save your project, though a limited number of 4 GB flash drives are available for purchase for $5. Black and white printing is 10 cents per page and color prints are 50 cents. Photo paper is not available and is not compatible with our printers. The Digital Studio is not soundproof, so you will be required to keep the volume low if other patrons are affected. Over-the-ear headphones are provided.

Guidelines
Use of the Digital Studio includes but is not limited to the following expectations:
1. The Studio is intended for digital projects is not available for general computing activities such as word processing, research, etc. 
2. Equipment cannot be removed from the studio.
3. The Library is not responsible for any damage or loss of physical materials, data or media due to any cause while using Library equipment.
4. Studio spaces are provided “as-is” and there is no warranty of any kind that the facilities are suitable for any particular use or function.
5. The Studio is only available during regular branch hours.
6. The Studio will host library programs and workshops; these programs will be given priority in reservations.
7. Cardholders may place reservations up to two weeks in advance (beginning August 8) either by telephone (772-337-5649) or in person at the Info Desk.
8. Cardholders are limited to no more than four sessions per week, and a maximum of 2 reservations can be held at any one time.  
9. Each reservation is for two hours. If no one else is waiting time may be extended.
10. Reservations will be held for 15 minutes. After that, the Studio may be made available to the next person or group waiting to use it.
11. The Library reserves the right to cancel reservations as needed.

Digital Studio Hardware
• Computer and Monitor
• VHS/DVD Player/Recorder
• Elgato Digital Capture device
• Epson FastFoto FF-680W Scanner
• Epson Perfection V600 Flatbed Scanner
• Boytone BT-32W CD, Radio, Vinyl, Cassette Converter
• Wolverine 8mm/Super 8 Film Converter
• Sony Hi-8 Camcorder 
• OneOdio Over-ear Studio Headphones
• FiFine USB Microphone
• Wacom Cintiq 16 Drawing Tablet
• Greenscreen

Digital Studio Software
• Adobe Photoshop Elements
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Audacity
• Reaper Sound
• VLC Media Player
• Blender
• Inkscape
• Arduino IDE

The Library's free public Wi-Fi appears as SLC_Library_Guest and requires the password "booksrule." After you enter the password into your device, your device should remember it the next time you're in the library. 

Park 'n Surf
The Library's Wi-Fi service now extends outside library buildings to make free internet accessible from the parking lot of all branches 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  The service is accessible at the greatest distance from the front of each building (except for Kilmer, where access extends from the north side of the building), from lesser distances on the sides and behind the building.

All the Library's public computers use the Windows 10 operating system and include the assistive features listed below. Library staff will be happy to help you access and get started with them.

Enlarging text in a browser and other programs

The text in a browser window can be enlarged either by going to the browser settings or holding down the Ctrl key and pushing the mouse wheel forward. Pulling the wheel back reduces the size of text. Using the Ctrl key and mouse wheel also works in Microsoft Office programs and in some programs from other software companies.

Magnifier

Magnifier can enlarge everything on the computer screen, including the desktop. To turn Magnifier on press the Windows key and the equal (=) key. Press that combination again to enlarge, press the Windows key and the minus sign to reduce magnification. When it’s on you’ll see a small tool bar with a plus and minus sign, and some other tools to adjust settings.

The default view is Full Screen, which magnifies the entire screen, and you’ll need to move your mouse to the edge to see the outer edges of the screen. “Lens” magnifies a portion of the screen around the cursor, and “Docked” magnifies a rectangular portion of the screen around the cursor, but the magnified image appears in a set (docked) area at the top of the screen. That docked area can be expanded by stretching it.

Windows Narrator

Windows Narrator is an audio screen reader that helps people who can’t read a computer screen use a computer. A computerized voice can be used to read the text in a browser screen, the text, and menu items in a Microsoft Office program, or what’s been selected on the desktop when you move from one item to another using keyboard shortcuts or the mouse. To start Narrator push at the same time the Windows key, the Ctrl key, and the Enter key. 

A 2018 review of Narrator from the American Foundation for the Blind is available here. A brief 2021 review from AbilityNet is available here, and AbilityNet's article on how to use Narrator is here. Because Narrator is patterned after JAWS, someone accustomed to using JAWS should be able to use Narrator without too much trouble.

Someone who has not used a screen reader before will need to know the location of keys on a standard keyboard and learn Narrator's keyboard shortcuts. Generally, staff will not have time to do much more than get you started with it, unless it’s part of a scheduled Book-a-Tech session.