Where to use a computer for free in Philly

Having computer access and reliable internet is a necessity for nearly all aspects of life — applying for jobs, filing taxes, even going to school or work — and it can be challenging if you live in a household without a computer and internet. In Philadelphia, this is a reality for many.

According to the Philadelphia 2021 Household Internet Assessment Survey, 19% of the city’s households still don’t have a working computer. And per Census Bureau statistics, over 98,000 homes go without internet access — the fourth highest percentage out of the country’s largest cities.

“Even prior to the pandemic, in order to apply for a housekeeping job at area hotels, you needed to apply online … What were people [without computer access] to do?” says Lori Morse, a library supervisor at the Parkway Central Library.

In Philly, there are programs designed to help, including at community centers and libraries, and programs where you can get a computer, or internet access, for free.

Here’s where you can use a computer for free in Philadelphia, some programs to get a free device, or receive free internet.

You can use a computer with internet access at any Free Library of Philadelphia branch if you have a library card. However, there is a thirty minute to one hour limit, depending on the location of your branch. If you already have a device, and a library card, you can use unlimited wireless internet at any Free Library branch. To connect, open a browser and enter your library card number and PIN. Because this is a public network, the Library recommends having an anti-virus.

Most libraries even offer printing and copying services at 25 cents per page. Anyone who lives, works, pays taxes, or goes to school in Philly can get a library card at no cost. Additionally, Pennsylvania residents can get a Philadelphia library card. You can sign up for a card online, or go to your nearest branch to have a librarian help you sign up. Check out our guide to all the things your library card gets you.

The full list of Free Library locations is available here. And, remember, some libraries open on Saturday.

If you’re looking for a job, trying to start a business, or find a new career, the Business Resource and Innovation Center (BRIC) offers a variety of services and learning opportunities, such as career workshops, job training sessions, and free headshots. Located on the ground floor of the Parkway Central Library, the BRIC is open to everyone, whether you are an experienced entrepreneur or starting your job hunt for the first time. The center has three computers, and there are 10 more in the main part of the library.

📍 1901 Vine St. 📞 215-686-8663 🌐 libwww.freelibrary.org/programs/bric 📷 @freelibrary

Using a computer at the South Street Business Center isn’t free, but it is an affordable option. The center’s main business is printing and shipping, but also has a computer available for rent by the minute. Email ahead of time if you want to print, but if you need to draft an email, send an application, or check social media, you can find a computer here in a pinch. Computer rentals are available for 25 cents per minute — a good option if you need to do something quick online, but don’t go here to fill out a lengthy job application — 25 cents per minute can add up quickly.

📍 744 South St., 📞 215-592-8000 ✉️ ssbccenter744@gmail.com 🌐 www.southstreetbusinesscenters.com

There are more than 20 public computer labs across the city, most of which are run by the city’s Parks and Recreation department. While you can find the full list of the community centers with free computers on their website, we’ve listed some here as well.

Located in West Philly, the Christy Rec Center has a free public computer lab in addition to its gym, pool, multipurpose rooms, and hydration station.

📍 728 S. 55th St., 📅 Wednesday- Friday, ⌚ 3:30-8 p.m.,📞 215-685-1997, 🌐parksrecheroes.org 

The East Passyunk Community Center is home to a computer lab with six workstations for community use. The computer lab is open 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday through Friday. According to John Medica, the director of the East Passyunk Community Center, these hours may change, so it’s a good idea to call ahead of time.

📍 1025 Mifflin St., 📅Monday-Friday, ⌚1-3 p.m. and 6 to 8p.m. 📞 215-685-0008, 🌐 eastpassyunkcommunitycenter.org 

Located in North Philly, the Athletic Recreation Center has a public computer center with 10 computers. It’s often busy, so you may need to wait to snag a spot. Call for computer lab operational hours.

📍 1400 N. 26th St., 📞 215-978-2709, 🌐 phila.gov 

This center, only a few blocks from Eastern State Penitentiary, has a public computer lab with more than a dozen computers.

📍 1737 Francis St.,📅Tuesday-Friday,⌚1-6 p.m., 📞 215-685-2762, 🌐 phila.gov 

The South Philly Rec center was renovated in 2015, and includes plenty of computers inside their lab for public use. The center also offers tech help for seniors, as well as help with resume writing, and job-hunting workshops. Call for computer lab operational hours.

📍 2100 S. 24th St., 📞 215-685-1898, 🌐phila.gov

The Free Library of Philadelphia gives out free tablets and wifi hotspots as part of the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund to help remove obstacles caused by the pandemic.

While free wifi services will run out this June, you can pay to extend the service at a low rate. And the devices can remain checked out indefinitely. According to Morse, there are still a limited number of tablets and wifi hotspots available.

Email devicelending@freelibrary.org, or speak with your local librarian to learn more.

While not free, the city of Philadelphia has partnered with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help qualifying residents receive a discount of up to $30 per month for broadband services as part of the Affordable Connectivity Program. Families with pre-k-12 students without access to internet receive the service for free.

Additionally,  all qualifying residents can get a $100 discount on a computer, laptop, or tablet. But you will still need to pay between $10 to $50 toward the price of the device. Visit getacp.org/phl or dial 2-1-1 to learn if you qualify or get remote help applying from a free digital navigator at:

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