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MC-NPL Computer Lab

The Montgomery County-Norristown Public Library Computer Lab seeks to enrich and empower all individuals through the use of technology. To this end, we foster information technology literacy through classroom instruction and address the computing needs of the public by providing access to the Internet, productivity software, and Online Research.

The Lab is located on the first floor of the library, just beyond the circulation (front) desk. The Lab was initially funded by The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation with an additional grant for furnishings and Lab construction from the estate of Norristown Resident Lillian Smith Marx.

Computer Classes Resources Page

 Lab user FAQ

Internet Acceptable Use Policy

Computer Lab Hours and Contact Info

Monday-Thursday 9:00am - 8:30pm
Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm
Saturday 9:00am - 4:30pm

The computer lab is available to the public during these hours, except when having a class (plus half an hour before the class to prepare.) The calendar of upcoming classes can be found here.

To contact the lab, call 610-278-5100 Ext. 141,
or e-mail Andrea Philo.

Click here to review the computer lab policies.

About Our Computer Classes


The computer lab offers classes on computing skills beginning from the lowest-level foundations, progressing into more specialized classes on using specific programs for specific purposes. The goal of our classes is to know not only how to operate a mouse and how to "get onto the Internet," but also how to be productive with a computer and learn some helpful tools that some computer users are not aware of about how the computer functions.

Courses are held in two sessions of 90 minutes each, and have a nominal fee of $5.00 each. Registration must be done in advance, in person, with payment up front. Space is limited, so don't delay! Our class calendar follows a repeating 6-week cycle, alternating between morning and evening classes. The courses must be taken in sequence. However, it is possible to test out of initial classes when you register by performing a small proficiency exercise. When classes are full, first preference for seats is given to persons attending the entire series of courses rather than to those who test out of prerequisites.

Classes are offered on the same day and time each week, on successive weeks. Each course is two weeks, and the next course will begin at the same time on the following week. While students are encouraged to attend all five courses, spanning ten weeks, sign-ups will occur on a course-by-course basis, as the previous class must be passed in order to move on. It is assumed that most students will want to take at least the first six weeks (three courses) of classes.

Morning classes are on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 12:00, and evening classes are on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:00. The same exact content is given on each of the days listed; you do not need to sign up for both. However, students are not permitted to switch between the two available sections. New classes begin twelve weeks after the previous calendar, with evening and morning classes staggered six weeks apart. See the calendars below for specific dates and more details.

Classes for our Spring 2008 session are all booked. You can be put on a waiting list should we have cancellations.
Classes will resume in the Fall. Check for a new schedule in August.

Spring 2008 Classes Calendar

Class Resources page

For more information about classes, you can e-mail the lab.

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Course descriptions


  • Computer Basics: Our first course is for complete beginners to become familiar with the computer, as they will learn the parts of the computer, how to operate a mouse, how to begin a program, what each of the parts of a window represent, and how to save a simple file.

  • Computer Essentials: Building directly off the material in Computer Basics, the Essentials will teach students how to control and manage their windows and how to multi-task, much more about file-saving techniques including the use of the "Save As..." command, how to use My Computer to view files, and how to create folders to organize one's work.

  • Internet & E-mail: One of the most fundamental blocks of knowledge a person can possess today is how to access the world wide web and how to send and receive e-mail. Students who have passed Computer Basics and Computer Essentials will learn about what the internet is and how to view it, and then create their own free e-mail address and discover how to use it.

  • Microsoft Word: Students who are more interested in learning how to create documents such as letters and resumes will learn in this class about how to use a word processor, Word 2002, for creating and editing documents. Course includes the use of basic text functions, print preview, tables, pictures & objects, and much more.

  • Microsoft Excel: Building from the knowledge learned in the Word class, some students might choose to also learn about the spreadsheet application, Excel 2002. This course teaches spreadsheeting basics, creating and manipulating formulas, working between multiple worksheets, and creating tables and charts through the use of a sample budget.

    Courses must be taken in sequence. If you wish to try to pass over an early class,
    contact one of our instructors about "testing out" of the class.


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    Computer Lab Policies


  • Everyone must sign into the Lab with a Library Card or Access Granted pass. (Exceptions made only for children under 3 yrs. old accompanying a parent) Both are obtained at the Circulation (main) Desk.
  • Patrons whose Library Cards require updating will be referred to the Circulation Desk, including resolving unpaid fines.
  • When the lab reaches full capacity, a waiting list is started, and users who have been on for the longest time period will be asked to sign off. Patrons are guaranteed a minimum of 30 minutes.
  • Reference Dept. machines are available during Lab closures and are shutdown one half hour after lab reopens.
  • No more than two (2) users at one computer. Both must have Library Cards or passes.
  • Small children (3 and under) must be secured in stroller, carrier, etc.
  • Older children (up to 12) may accompany their parents to a machine, but are generally expected to use the computers in the children's department upstairs.
  • Teens may use the lab, but may not request to have the filter removed.
  • There are no speakers on the computers, but there is a headphone jack. Patrons must supply their own headphones.
  • Users may bring in removable media such as floppy disks, zip disks or thumb drives. We do not have CD burning capability and saving things directly to our computers in any fashion is prohibited.
  • Select resources are available for purchase if patrons should need them. We sell floppy disks (new $1.00, used $0.50), zip disks ($15.00) and simple headphones. ($1.00) We will not hold any of these items for you.
  • The lab does have printing capability. After the first three pages, which are free, each additional page is $0.15. Pictures and other pages involving heavy ink use may cost more and do not count as part of the three free.
  • Users must turn off cell phones and pagers while in the Lab.


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