Using library and public computers
Often the safest screen available — with a few habits worth keeping.
In plain words
A library computer is not connected to your accounts or your home Wi-Fi. Sign out of everything when you finish and take your printouts with you.
Why they help
A public computer has no connection to your accounts, your home network, or any monitoring software on your own devices. Many libraries wipe each session automatically, and staff are used to people needing privacy.
Habits that keep it clean
Don't sign in to personal accounts unless you must; anything you sign in to, sign out of fully. Decline every 'remember me' and 'save password' prompt. Close all windows when done. If you print, collect pages immediately — the tray is public too.
Time and place
The main risk is being seen there, or the visit appearing somewhere (a transit card record, being expected home). Pairing the visit with an ordinary errand gives it an explanation that needs no defending.
What this does NOT protect against
- Accounts you sign in to and forget to sign out of
- Being observed at the computer in person
- Printouts left in trays or found later on you
- Monitoring on the accounts themselves (email read receipts, login alerts)
Last reviewed 2026-06-01. Technology changes; if something here looks different on your device, trust what your device shows.