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Borrowing Technology


Electricity Usage Monitors, Playaway Launchpads, and Thermal Cameras

The ARPA grant funding that enabled PGCMLS to purchase and provide access to chromebooks and mobile data for customers is ending as of April 7, 2025. For customers still needing internet access, PGCMLS provides free wifi and internet capable computers at all branch libraries.

Electricity Usage Monitors

Borrowing

Adults ages 18 and older with library cards in good standing may borrow the Kill a Watt, and one device per household may be borrowed. No LINK or student accounts will be allowed. Customers must present their library card and a valid photo ID to the circulation staff. The device must be returned to the original borrowing location and cannot be returned in the bookdrop. These devices can be borrowed for one week (7 days) with three renewals. Please check the availability of the devices and place a hold. The Kill a Watt will be delivered to your chosen library location and can be picked up at the circulation desk.

Damaged devices or parts will be charged at the cost of the part: damaged case: $25.00

Quick Start Video

Playaway Launchpads

Playaway Launchpad tablets are for children ages 3-5 and are pre-loaded with learning apps and games. The devices offer apps on specific themes: A Day At The Zoo, All About Animals, Beep Beep Vroom Vroom, Build It Fix It, Hello! Bonjour!, Imagination Way, Peek-a-Zoo, Princess University, School of Fish, Si! Yes Si!, Transport Station, Van Gogh Go Go, Where Would You Go?, and You Auto Know. 

Borrowing

Adults ages 18 and older with library cards in good standing may borrow the Launchpad, and one device per household may be borrowed. No LINK or student accounts will be allowed. Launchpads are circulated in a case which contains the Launchpad tablet and cord. Holds may be placed on Launchpads. These devices can be borrowed for one week (7 days) with three renewals. Launchpads should not be returned in the bookdrop.

Damaged devices or parts will be charged at the cost of the part: $10 for lost or damaged case or cord.

Thermal Cameras

Find problems around the home fast, like where you’re losing heat, how your insulation’s holding up, electrical problems, and water damage – all of which are point-and-shoot and easy to find. Separate devices for Apple and Android phones are available for checkout. 

Borrowing

Adults ages 18 and older with library cards in good standing may borrow thermal cameras, and one device per household may be borrowed. No LINK or student accounts will be allowed. Customers must present their library card and a valid photo ID to the circulation staff. The device must be returned to the original borrowing location and cannot be returned in the bookdrop. These devices can be borrowed for one week (7 days) with three renewals.

Damaged devices or parts will be charged at the cost of the part: $25 for a damaged case.

Helpful Videos:

How to Use Overheating Outlets Leaky Roofs Home Buying Water Intrustion

Computers and Technology Events

Tue, Mar 25, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hillcrest Heights
Registration is now closed

Tue, Mar 25, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Hyattsville - Learning Lab
Registration is now closed

Wed, Mar 26, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Mount Rainier

Thu, Mar 27, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
South Bowie

Sat, Mar 29, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Beltsville - Large Meeting Room

Sat, Mar 29, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Fairmount Heights - Large Meeting Room

Mon, Mar 31, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Surratts-Clinton

Mon, Mar 31, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hillcrest Heights

Mon, Mar 31, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Bladensburg - BL Activity Room

Tue, Apr 01, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hillcrest Heights

Wed, Apr 02, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Mount Rainier

Wed, Apr 02, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Hyattsville - Learning Lab

Fri, Apr 04, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Largo-Kettering

Sat, Apr 05, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Glenarden - Small Meeting Room
This event is full

Mon, Apr 07, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Surratts-Clinton

Mon, Apr 07, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Spauldings - Conference Room

Mon, Apr 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hillcrest Heights

Mon, Apr 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Bladensburg - BL Activity Room

Tue, Apr 08, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hillcrest Heights

Wed, Apr 09, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Mount Rainier

Wed, Apr 09, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Hillcrest Heights

Wed, Apr 09, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Largo-Kettering

Thu, Apr 10, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
South Bowie

Sat, Apr 12, 10:30am - 12:00pm
Beltsville - Large Meeting Room

Mon, Apr 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hillcrest Heights

Mon, Apr 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Bladensburg - BL Activity Room

Mon, Apr 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Fairmount Heights - Large Meeting Room

Tue, Apr 15, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hillcrest Heights

Wed, Apr 16, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Mount Rainier

Wed, Apr 16, 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Hyattsville - Learning Lab

Fri, Apr 18, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Largo-Kettering

Sat, Apr 19, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Glenarden - Small Meeting Room
This event is full

Mon, Apr 21, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Spauldings - Conference Room

Mon, Apr 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hillcrest Heights

Mon, Apr 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Bladensburg - BL Activity Room

Tue, Apr 22, 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Hillcrest Heights

Wed, Apr 23, 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Mount Rainier

Wed, Apr 23, 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Laurel - Large Meeting Room A (Dorothy Height Room)

Wed, Apr 23, 5:30pm - 6:30pm
Largo-Kettering

Wed, Apr 23, 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Fairmount Heights - Large Meeting Room

Thu, Apr 24, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Fairmount Heights - D.R.E.A.M Lab

Thu, Apr 24, 3:00pm - 4:00pm
South Bowie