Technology at the Library

Print wirelessly to your local library!

Wireless printing is available via SmartAlec for all library users. Send a print job from your laptop, PC, tablet or mobile device via SmartAlec from home or while in a library branch. 

How do I get started?

• From a browser, follow this link to SmartAlec.
• Enter your Library Card number and Password (PIN). Do not use your username in place of Library Card. (Passwords should not contain special characters, only letters and numbers. If your password contains special characters, you may consider resetting it.)
• Select the blue Log in button.

OR

• If you do not have a library card:
  • From a branch: 
    • Ask for a guest pass for wireless printing at the Information Desk. Enter the number and password in the Library Card Number section.
    • Select the blue Log in button.
    • A guest pass will allow you to print for the day on which it is printed.
  • From home:
    • 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.
    • Email addresses and phone numbers may associated with only one SmartAlec account. Try a different address/phone number if yours is already reserved.

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

Upload and Print Documents

1. After logging in to SmartAlec, go to Select a File to Upload. Choose your file. Then select the blue Upload button. Repeat for all files.
2. 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.
3. 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 or guest pass number and password.
   • Follow the prompts or ask for help at the Information Desk.

Kiosks accept credit/debit (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover), Apple Pay and Google Pay. They do not accept gift cards, cash or coins.

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.

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’m having trouble with wireless printing.

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

FCPL cards are free!

Ask at a service desk to get started.