Skip to Main Content
Fairfax County logo

Technology at the Library

Last Updated: Sep 28, 2023 12:17 PM

Wireless Printing at Your Library

Print wirelessly to your local library!

Wireless printing is available via SmartAlec for all library users. Send a print job from your laptop, desktop computer, tablet or mobile device from home or while visiting a library branch. For instructions, select the appropriate tab for your device below.

How do I get started?

  • From a browser, follow this link to SmartAlec.
  • To log in, enter your library card number and password (PIN).
  • Select the Log in button.
  • Select the appropriate tab below to continue with instructions for your device.

OR

  • If you do not have a library card, select the Guest Access button.
  • Provide an email address or the number of a text-capable phone. SmartAlec will then send the guest card number and password to you.
  • Write down the guest card number and password if you do not have access to your email or the ability to text on your device.
  • Select Submit.
  • Select the appropriate tab below to continue with instructions for your device.

Please note: While PDFs work best, the following file types should also work: doc, docx, xls, xlsx, ppt, pptx, csv, txt, html, rtf, jpg, png, bmp, jpeg and heic files.

Choose Your Device

Print from a Laptop or PC

  1. Save the file you want to print to your computer. To print a page from the web, select Print and when asked to choose a printer, choose Save as PDF.
  2. After logging in to SmartAlec, choose the desired file for printing by using the Select a File to Upload button on the left-hand side to locate the item on your computer. Then, select the blue Upload button on the right-hand side. Repeat for any other desired files.
  3. When a document has successfully uploaded, it will appear in a list below the Select a File to Upload button. If you wish, you can preview and delete items from this list.
  4. Visit any FCPL branch to release your print job(s) from one of our Print Station kiosks.
    • Select PRINT at the Kiosk, then enter your library card number (or Guest Card number) and password.
    • Follow standard PC printing instructions or ask for help at the Information Desk.

Please note that we are only able to accept credit cards at our Print Station kiosks at this time.

Print from an iPhone/iPad

  1. Download the SmartAlec Print app from the app store and log in. You do not need to keep the app open after logging in.
  2. Find and open a desired document, then select the Share icon (Apple Share Icon) . Scroll down to select Print.
  3. While previewing the document to print, zoom out (reverse pinch) with your fingers to convert it to a PDF.
  4. Select the Share icon (Apple Share Icon) again, select SmartAlec and then tap Send.
    • If SmartAlec does not appear as an option, select the More button, select Suggestions and turn on SmartAlec.
  5. When your print job has successfully uploaded, you will see it in the SmartAlec app. If you wish, you can tap an item to preview or slide left to delete items in this list.
  6. Visit any FCPL branch to release your print job(s) from one of our Print Station kiosks.
    • Select PRINT at the Kiosk, then enter your library card number (or Guest Card number) and password.
    • Follow standard PC printing instructions or ask for help at the Information Desk.

Please note that we are only able to accept credit cards at our Print Station kiosks at this time.

Print from an Android tablet or phone

  1. Download the SmartAlec Print app from the Google Play store and log in. You do not need to keep the app open after logging in.
  2. For each desired file, open the item and select Menu ( Stacked 3 Dot Menu Icon), then select Print and choose SmartAlec.
  3. When your print job has successfully uploaded, you will see it in the SmartAlec app. If you wish, you can preview and delete items from this list.
  4. Visit any FCPL branch to release your print job(s) from one of our Print Station kiosks.
    • Select PRINT at the kiosk, then enter your library card number (or Guest Card number) and password.
    • Follow standard PC printing instructions or ask for help at the Information Desk.

Please note that we are only able to accept credit cards at our Print Station kiosks at this time.

Public Wi-Fi

All library branches offer free wireless access (Wi-Fi) in public areas during open and extended hours. No library card numbers or passwords are needed.

How to Connect to the Library's Public Wi-Fi

  1. In your device's Settings app, find and select the Wi-Fi network FCPL_Wifi.
  2. A webpage displaying the library's Terms of Service should pop up automatically.
  3. Read the policy, check the box next to "I Accept the Terms of Service" and then select Connect to complete your wireless connection.

If you need further assistance take a look at the Troubleshooting suggestions below, or ask for help at the Information Desk.

Outdoor Wireless Internet Access

Outdoor Wi-Fi is available at most library branches. Due to the set-up of parking facilities, it is not available at City of Fairfax, Herndon Fortnightly or Kingstowne libraries. Please call your local branch if you have any questions.

Troubleshooting

I’m not sure what my account password (PIN) is, or my password isn’t working.

Reset your password online or ask for assistance at the Information Desk.

I don’t see my document in the Print Station queue.

Documents can sometimes take up to five minutes to appear at the Print Station - check again in a few minutes.

I’m still having trouble with mobile printing, or I have another question.

Library staff are here to help! Please visit the Information Desk at any of our library branches.

Fairfax County seal