Computers and Printing
The Library recognizes that computers and the Internet address the research, educational, and recreational needs of the public. The Library offers a public computer lab with print capability a copy machine, and a fax machine; a Children’s computer lab, a Teen computer lab, and Wi-Fi throughout the main building and branches. All users with a library card from any Hidalgo County Library are allowed up to three hours of Internet use per day. Users who do not have the documents required to register for a full-access library card may register for an e-access only library card with a valid photo identification (U.S., Canada, Mexico). At the discretion of library staff, a 1-hour extension may be granted for educational or employment purposes. McAllen Public Library staff offer limited assistance to computer users. Users in need of extended assistance are encouraged to enroll in a basic computer class at any of our locations. For more information, see section 1.8 of our Library Policies and Procedures.
Wireless Printing
The McAllen Public Library is excited to introduce mobile printing services at all three locations. You can use your personal computer or mobile device to print to the library’s printers from anywhere. Simply submit documents for printing and come to the library to release and pick up your document. Please select the location where you would like to pick up your documents below. You can find more detailed instructions here: Mobile Printing Instructions
Main Library
Lark Branch
Palm View Branch
Main Library
- 101 3-hour Windows Workstations
- 16 Windows Workstations for children 5th grade and under, located in the Children's Dept.
- 12 Windows Workstations for teens located in the teen area, Area 3918
- Login requires a library card
- Extensions beyond the three hours may be permitted under special circumstances, please speak with desk staff prior to workstation usage.
Palm View Branch
- 32 3-hour Windows Workstations
- Login requires a library card
- Extensions beyond the three hours may be permitted under special circumstances, please speak with desk staff prior to workstation usage.
Lark Branch
- 33 3-hour Windows Workstations
- 6 Windows Workstations for children
- 1 Catalog workstation
- Login requires a library card
- Extensions beyond the three hours may be permitted under special circumstances, please speak with desk staff prior to workstation usage.
Printing, Copying, and Faxing Prices
- Printing
- B/W – $0.10 cents
- Color – $0.50 cents
- Copies
- B/W – $0.10 cents
- Color – $0.50 cents
- Faxing- vendor based kiosk*
- Fax Local and National
- $1.75 first page --- $1.00 each additional page
- International
- $3.95 first page --- $3.45 each additional page
- Scanning
- Free
- Must bring your own USB flash drive to save the file.
*Please note, faxing services in the Computer Lab will be limited to outgoing patron faxes only. All branches provide self-serve kiosk; Main branch is a paperless fax machine with confirmation via online or text; Palm View and Lark branches provide paper confirmation. Transactions are payable by credit or debit card only. This machine is not intended for library business purposes.
McAllen Public Library cardholders are now able to access free, unlimited high-speed internet from almost anywhere through the Library’s new, innovative Wi-Fi Hotspot initiative. Please see our WiFi Hotspot Loans page for more information.
Hours of Operation
Computer labs are open during normal operating hours and shut off automatically 15 minutes prior to library closing time.