FAQ

How do I get a library card?
How do I get a PIN?
How do I use Internet computers?
How do I get on the Library’s WiFi?
How do I rent a meeting room?
How do I support Decatur Public Library?

How do I get a PIN?

You get a PIN when you sign up for your library card.  It’s a 4 digit number that allows you access to the online catalog remotely, to log in to certain remote databases, to get on the Internet computers.  Every patron has a PIN if they have a library card…they just might not know it and they can call us, give us their library card number, and we can provide the PIN.

How do I use Internet computers?

Use of the library’s computers requires a library card in good standing (less than $5.00 in fines) from Decatur Public Library or any other library in the Rolling Prairie Library System (RPLS). Visitors from outside RPLS may be granted access to the library’s computer resources upon presentation of acceptable identification. Access is limited to adults and minors ages 13-17 with written parental permission. Children 12 and under may access the library’s computers only when accompanied at all times by an adult with acceptable identification.

View Computer Rules and Internet Policies

Xpress E-mail
Allows for ONLY 15 minutes to view e-mail.
Computer Rules and Internet Policies still apply.

Database Computers
At the database workstations patrons have access to premium online databases. There is limited space and all computers are on a first come first serve basis.
View databases

Word Processing Computers
The word processing computers are available to everyone. The programs include: Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and Publisher); Resume Wizard

Printers
The library only has black and white printers and charges $0.15 per page. We recommend using Print Preview before sending your print job.

Typewriters
The library has two typewriters.

How do I get on the Library’s WiFi?

The library offers WiFi through the DPL Public hotspot.  Connect your device to that hotspot and then open your browser.  The screen should ask for a username and password, which is your library card number and PIN.  If you are a guest or do not have a library card, please ask for a Guest Account at the Computer Help Desk.

How do I rent a meeting room?

Meeting rooms are available for public use, subject to the library’s policy for use of meeting rooms.

Meeting rooms are available from Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. (September through May) Special arrangements may be made for using the rooms earlier or later than the times listed.

Our meeting room sound and projector systems are not MAC compatible. They will only work with IBM compatible computers.

Cost

• J. Elizabeth Madden Auditorium (seats 150) Rental charges are: $100 for 2 hours, $180 for 4 hours and $360 for 8 hours.
• A. E. Staley Jr. Manufacturing Company Conference Room (seats 25) Rental charges are: $60 for 2 hours, $100 for 4 hours and $210 for 8 hours.
• The Board Room (seats 15) is available from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Rental charges are: $40 for 2 hours, $70 for 4 hours and $140 for 8 hours.
• Children’s Auditorium (seats 100) Rental charges are: $80 for 2 hours, $140 for 4 hours and $280 for 8 hours.

To reserve a meeting room, call (217) 424-2900, x102, or come to the library and fill out a meeting room application and fax to (217) 233-4071.

Rooms are not reserved until you receive a confirmation from the library.

Click here for a description of the rooms.