Equipment and Technology
From copy machines to high-speed Internet and wi-fi, the Thomas Ford Memorial Library has the technology and equipment that you need to capture quick and reliable information. Library staff are happy to help you use any of these resources.
Wi-Fi | Computers/Internet | Wireless Printing | Copy Machines | Microfilm Reader
Wi-fi
The Library has a wireless network named “Thomas Ford Library Wifi” that does not require a password. For students or educators who need a secure Wifi connection, look for the “TFML School Access” network and log in using the password SchoolsOut.
Computers and the Internet
The Thomas Ford Memorial Library has public-use computers in the Adult Services area of the Library on the main floor.
All of our computers have:
- Internet access
- Printing capabilities
- Microsoft Office Standard ( includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher)
- CD/DVD-ROM rewritable drive
- Media software like Windows Media Player and VLC player
- USB ports for flash drives
Computer use in Adult Services is free and open to anyone. There is a 60-minute time limit if someone is waiting. All SWAN library cardholders may log in to our public computers with their card numbers. Visitors may ask for a guest pass at the Reference Desk in Adult Services.
The Thomas Ford Memorial Library does not use filtering software and assumes no responsibility for the content of the Internet. Children ages 8 and under are subject to the Library’s Safe Child Policy and are not permitted to use the Internet without their parent or legal guardian present during the entire computer session. Parents or guardians may withdraw access to the internet for their children under the age of 16 by requesting a Computer Use Block on the minor’s library card.
Printing from computers is 10 cents per page, and 50 cents for color copies.
Wireless Printing
Documents, files, and webpages can be sent to the Library for printing from anywhere, on any device. If using a laptop inside the library, or sending a document from home, click here to visit our Wireless Printing webpage. You can also email your print jobs to bw-fordlibrary@
For assistance using Wireless Printing, call, email, or visit the Reference Desk.
Copy Machines
The Library has copiers available for public use. The cost is ten cents per page for letter and legal sized copies and twenty cents for 11 x 17 copies. Please ask the staff for assistance to get color copies, which are 50 cents per page.
Scan Station
The Library has a scan station with a large, easy to use touch screen that has audio and high contrast options for the vision or hearing impaired. There is a document scanner for loose pages, and a flat bed scanner for photos or books. Scans can be saved to a flash drive, sent to your email, saved to Google Drive or Microsoft One Drive, and even sent directly to our printer. You can also scan text and have it translated, or converted to audio.
The scan station also has faxing capabilities. Just scan your document, put in the fax number you want to reach, and your email address so you can receive notification that the scan was sent/received.
Microfilm Reader
The Library has microfilm/microfiche reader connected to a computer for public use. Images may be scanned into PDFs and printed for 10 cents per page. Our Western Springs newspapers begin with 1913 microfilm and our Chicago Tribune microfilm covers 1972 through 2003. Ask Reference Staff for assistance with databases to get newspaper articles from microfilms and electronic resources.