Services
Getting a Library Card
Adults
Patrons ages 18 and older may register for a library card by filling out a Library Card Application Form and providing identification that shows current name and address.
Teens and Children
Parents/legal guardians with current identification must register their children age 17 and under for juvenile library cards, and are responsible for materials checked out on them.
Accessibility at the Library
- The library has handicapped parking, an accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible elevator and wheelchair accessible restrooms on three levels.
- A wheelchair, walker with basket and drop down seat and mini shopping carts are available for use.
- Large print books, audio books on CD and Reader’s Digest in large print are available to check out.
- On the third level, one public computer is equipped with ZoomText software, and a visual enlarger is also available for use.
Internet Access and Use
The T.B. Scott Library offers free wifi throughout the entire building.
Four public computers are located in Youth Services on the second floor, equipped with filtering software. These computers are available for use by adults, and to youths with an Internet Use Permission Form on file, signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Eight public desktop computers with Internet access are located in the Adult Department on the third floor. One of them is equipped with ZoomText software, an adjustable-height desk, and a trackball pointing device to assist handicapped patrons. Two of the desktop computers are connected to ScanPro digital microfilm/microfiche equipment, used principally to research the library’s newspaper microfilm collection.
All public computers are networked to printers located at the Adult Reference desk. Printouts cost 15¢ per page in black & white and 30¢ each in color. Public computers in the Adult Department are available for use by adults, and to youths with an Internet Use Permission Form on file, signed by a parent or legal guardian, that permits use of unfiltered computers.
Internet Access and Use- Teens/Children
Children age 16 or younger may use the library’s public computers with Internet access, if he/she has an Internet Use Permission Form with parent/legal guardian signature on file with the library. On that form, a parent/guardian has two options to choose from: either permit the child to use only filtered computers in the Youth Services Department, or permit the child to also use unfiltered computers in the Adult Department. Forms are available at all service desks.
The T.B. Scott Library offers free wifi throughout the entire building.
Four public computers are located in Youth Services on the second floor, equipped with filtering software. These computers are available for use by adults, and to youths with an Internet Use Permission Form on file, signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Eight public desktop computers with Internet access are located in the Adult Department on the third floor. One of them is equipped with ZoomText software, an adjustable-height desk, and a trackball pointing device to assist handicapped patrons. Two of the desktop computers are connected to ScanPro digital microfilm/microfiche equipment, used principally to research the library’s newspaper microfilm collection.
All public computers are networked to printers located at the Adult Reference desk. Printouts cost 15¢ per page in black & white and 30¢ each in color. Public computers in the Adult Department are available for use by adults, and to youths with an Internet Use Permission Form on file, signed by a parent or legal guardian, that permits use of unfiltered computers.
Computer Coaching
Some libraries offer computer classes. However, we believe that, because everyone has different experiences and skills, why settle for a one-size-fits-all approach? In our Computer Coaching sessions, we won’t talk at you—we’ll work with you, in an informal and private setting, to make you more comfortable with computers and help you make them work for you. We’ll let you tap the keys and move the mouse, and learn at your speed.
Some people call themselves “computer illiterate.” NO ONE IS COMPUTER ILLITERATE. It’s just that no one has taken the time to help these folks get comfortable with a computer, what it does, and how it happens. We have the patience to help you find out what computers are about, and to begin developing skills you can practice to make computers do what you want them to.
When there are multiple Computer Coachees in a session, everybody gets their turn of personal attention. Often, your neighbor has the same questions as you, so you can learn from each other. Sometimes coachees come just to lurk—that’s computerese for observing what others are learning!
Most Computer Coachees want to learn how to do stuff on the Internet, but we’ve shown folks how to manage (move and delete) files on a computer, or move pictures or other files between digital cameras, USB drives, other devices, and a computer . We can get you an email or Facebook account—and show you how to use it.
We’ve helped folks apply for jobs, sell their stuff on Craigslist, find out how Google and other search engines work, and even play with documents and spreadsheets in Microsoft Word and Excel! If you don’t have your own computer, we have laptop computers set up for you, but many Computer Coachees bring in their own computer. Often, these folks have gotten a computer as a gift from a child or grandchild, who then goes back home and can’t help them from a distance. We’ll get you comfortable—with your computer or ours!
So, whether you’re an experienced user that wants to learn new skills, or a complete newbie trying to turn one on, our one-on-one Computer Coaching sessions have something for everyone. Contact the library at 715-536-7191 for more details.
Wifi Internet Hotspots
T.B. Scott Free Library has taken the next leap in bringing technology to the Merrill community—mobile WiFi HotSpot devices are now available to check out.
WiFi HotSpots enable you to connect up to ten mobile-enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones or tablets, to the Internet. They’re as portable as you are—so you can be online at home, in the park, or on vacation.
Former Library Director Stacy Stevens explains that “the Mobile WiFi Hotspots are an extension of the free WiFi available at the library for years.” We have five of these devices that are available to check out for a week at a time.
Public libraries across the country are now making mobile WiFi available to the public. It’s part of a national trend of public libraries expanding their services beyond traditional lending of books, DVDs and CDs. According to a National League of Cities report:
“These lending programs perform a critical role: in addition to providing basic broadband access to low-income residents, they allow patrons to access free e-books and other digital library resources, and they enable users to complete online job applications and perform other critical web-based processes at home. Outreach efforts are also aimed at the elderly and disabled, who often need access to healthcare information.”
Visit or call the library at 715-536-7191 for more information about checking out a mobile WiFi HotSpot.