Is it possible to print, copy, scan or fax?
Answer
No, printing has not always been free at Houston Public Library. For many years, customers were required to pay a small fee for printing. Temporary free printing was introduced in July 2023.
Last year, Houston Public Library experienced multiple after-hours break-ins targeting coin boxes used for printing and copying payments. These incidents caused thousands of dollars in property damage across several locations. To prevent further vandalism and improve security, Houston Public Library, along with Harris County Public Library, transitioned to a cashless printing solution.
Customers can pay via credit card or Apple Pay/Google Pay. Black and white prints are $0.15, and color prints are $0.50. There is an automatic $5 credit card hold per transaction and a minimum charge of $1 regardless of page count printed.
The library currently manages an average of 40,000 prints and copies each month, with nearly 19,893 of those being free. The vendor provided HPL with a discounted rate that will no longer be supported once contract expires at the end of October 2024.
The cost to provide free printing to all customers is approximately $170,000 annually.
Research shows that public libraries across the country no longer offer free printing services. In response to last year’s break-ins, HPL, along with Harris County Public Library, removed coin-operated payment options and transitioned to a cashless solution.
You can easily print at the library by following a few simple steps—learn more by visiting our Mobile Print page.
Yes, all public printers have the ability to scan for free to a USB (Flash) drive only. Customers should bring their own USB devices.
The following locations have a SimpleScan device that allows free scanning to a USB, scan to print, or scan to email:
- Alief-Henington Regional Library
- Central Library
- Collier Regional Library
- Family History Research Center at the Clayton Library Campus
- Flores Neighborhood Library
- Johnson Neighborhood Library
- Jungman Neighborhood Library
- Kendall Neighborhood Library
- McGovern-Stella Link Regional Library
- Oak Forest Neighborhood Library
- Park Place Regional Library
- Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library
- Scenic Woods Regional Library
- TECHLink Dixon
- Vinson Neighborhood Library
- Young Neighborhood Library
No, fax services are not available at this time.