Chromebook lending

How do I borrow a Chromebook?

We don’t keep the Chromebooks in branches so you’ll need to email us at library@powys.gov.uk to request one - we’ll send the Chromebook to your nearest branch for you to collect.

You’ll need to be a member of the library, and show some ID when you collect the device. If you’re under 18, you’ll need a parent or guardian to take responsibility for the loan and borrow the Chromebook on your behalf.

How long can i borrow the Chromebook for?

The normal loan period is 4 weeks, but a 3 month loan is available for pupils and students - just let us know when you request the Chromebook.

You do need to be at least 18 to borrow our Chromebooks, but parents and guardians can borrow on behalf of a child so long as the adult takes responsibility for the device and how it is used.

Do I need my own internet connection?

Yes you will need access to Wifi. You can’t do much on the Chromebook without an internet connection.

If you don’t have WiFi, you may prefer to borrow one of our iPads, which come with a mobile data allowance.

What is a Chromebook?

A Chromebook is just a laptop, but the software is from Google - if you are used to a Windows laptop, there are a few differences in the software, but it doesn’t take long to get used to it, and we’ll help you get started.

Does it come with Microsoft Office?

No, but if you have a Microsoft 365 account from school, college or work, you can login to www.office.com from the Chromebook and get full access to your organisation’s Word, Excel, Outlook, OneDrive etc.

If you don’t have a Microsoft 365 account through work or school, you can still access a cut-down version of the same software by logging in to the Microsoft website with a Hotmail or Outlook account. If you don’t have either, you can set up an Outlook account for free.

Alternatively, you can use the Google software that comes bundled with the Chromebook: Google Docs, Google Mail and Google Sheets.

Chromebook or iPad?

We’ve got both!

Chromebooks are a type of laptop, so they have a larger screen and a keyboard. They are best for anything that needs lots of typing, like work or study.

iPads are smaller and you type using the keyboard on screen - they are best for using apps or browsing the internet.

However, if you don’t have Wifi at home, you might find our iPad Loans more useful, because iPads come with mobile data.

I don’t know anything about Chromebooks and I’m not very tech-savvy - will anybody help?!

Yes! We’ll give you a help sheet to get started, and staff will be on hand to show you the basics when you pick it up. For any techie questions during the loan, you can call us anytime on the Library Line on 01874 612394

I’ve used Chromebooks at school - are they just the same?

Mostly, although there might be some differences.

You might have used a touchscreen Chromebook - Library Chromebooks don’t have a touchscreen, and you’ll need to use the mousepad or ask to borrow a mouse.

School Chromebooks are usually protected with internet filtering and antivirus software. Library Chromebooks don’t have either, so parents or guardians borrowing on behalf of a child do need to take responsibility for all activity on the device.