Printing & Copying FAQs

  • General Questions

    CHANGES TO PRINTING & COPYING AT HCPL

    To ensure our libraries' security, copy card dispensers have been removed from all Harris County Public Library branches. The library is working toward a replacement system that meets our patrons' needs.

    Printing and copying are available. Please visit or contact any HCPL branch location for assistance .

    NOTE: Printing and copying costs may vary at the LSC - CyFair Branch Library, LSC - Tomball Community Library, Harris County Law Library, and Texas Medical Center Library.

  • Mobile Printing

    You can log in to Mobile Printing and upload documents anytime, but you can only print and pick up items during library hours. Check library locations and hours for availability.

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Uploaded documents will be stored online for 24 hours. If you are unable to come to the library to have your items printed within 24 hours, you must re-upload them. You will not be charged for unprinted uploads.

    You can add funds to your Mobile Printing account using a credit/debit card via PayPal payment services. We cannot accept cash payments for Mobile Printing.

    No. You can use PayPal as a guest to add funds to your Mobile Printing account.

    When you log in to the Mobile Printing site (print.hcpl.net), available funds will show in the Funds section on the bottom left of the screen. You can also add funds in this section.

    No. We are not able to transfer funds from your Mobile Printing account.

    Yes. 

    The file name as it is uploaded is how it will be listed in the print order that the library receives. Please give your files short but descriptive names, This will help us find your print order easier and ensure we print the correct files. The best names are easy to say and unique.

    Examples

    Bad File Name Good File Name
    photo_1.jpg Cute_Kittens.jpg
    essay Bluest_Eye_Essay

    Letter size paper, 8 ½" x 11" is the only format at this time. Legal and other paper formats are not available.

    Please contact library staff for any questions about funds on your account.

    HCPL cannot provide refunds for misprinted or unneeded prints. Please contact library staff for additional questions.

    From the Mobile Printing print center, you can select Add Funds. Paypal will process the payment from a credit or debit card. If you do not have a Paypal account you can use a guest account that requires no login.

    We are sorry, we cannot accept transactions under $2.00.

    No. The library print card and your Mobile Printing account are separate. You cannot transfer funds between them.