Print, Scan, Copy
Note: During the Covid-19 pandemic, library access and services may be impacted, and the information below may not be current. Please refer to our home page and social media accounts for updates. Have a question? Use our 'Ask-a-Librarian' service, available via the Libraries' home page. Note also the Surfbox public printing service is not available at call and collect branches.
Surfbox is a pay as you go print, scan and copy service.
This facility is available in all Dublin City Library branches.

Services and costs
Printing
- Colour (€0.60/A4 page)
- Black & white (€0.20/A4 page).
Scanning
- Up to 10 A4 pages (€0.60)
Photocopying
Selected libraries only
- €0.20 per A4 sheet
- Specialist photocopying: €0.75 per sheet
- Photocopying Cards: 5 units €1.00; 10 units €2.00; 20 units €4.00
Please note: Consoles accept currency from 10 cent coins to €10 notes and can return change.
How to print, scan and copy
When you use Surfbox to print, scan or copy you will be given a "Privacy Release Code". This code ensures that only you can collect your documents. Please remember to take note of this code. The "Privacy Release Code" will remain active for 72 hours after it is given and is unique to branch you are printing, scanning or copying in. After the first print you can reprint up to 10 times, within one hour.
Printing from a Library Computer (Black & White)
- Select "Print" options for desired document. (Usually found in "File" tab).
- Select "Print" or "OK"
- A pop-up window will appear with a six digit "Privacy Release Code", record this number to collect your document and click "OK" on the pop-up window.
- A further pop-up window will then appear reminding you to record the "Privacy Release Code", click "OK" on this second pop-up window.
- Enter the "Privacy Release Code" in the Surfbox console by selecting the "Collect Print Job" option.
- Document will then print.
Printing from a Library Computer (Colour)
- Select "Print" options for desired document. (Usually found in "File" tab).
- Select "Printer Properties"
- Select the downward pointing arrow next to the "libraryname-bw"
- Select "libraryname-colour" that appears as an option below "libraryname-bw"
- Select"Print" or "OK"
- A pop-up window will appear with a six digit "Privacy Release Code", record this number to collect your document and click "OK" on the pop-up window.
- A further pop-up window will then appear reminding you to record the "Privacy Release Code", click "OK" on this second pop-up window.
- Enter the "Privacy Release Code" in the Surfbox console by selecting the "Collect Print Job" option.
- Document will then print.
Printing from a Mobile Device, Laptop or Tablet
- Email the document as an attachment you wish to print to the unique Surfbox email address for that library (see below).
- Upload your document on www.printspots.com
- Install the free PrinterOn or HP ePrint apps for your smartphone.
PrinterOn iTunes / PrinterOn Google Play. HP ePrint iTunes / HP ePrint Google Play. - You will receive a “Privacy Release Code”, Enter the "Privacy Release Code" in the Surfbox console by selecting the "Collect Print Job" option.
Email addresses for printing in Dublin City Libraries
Please Note: For documents from Google Drive, please ensure that you attach the document to the email. Emailing the document from your Google Drive will only send a copy of the link to the document and not the document itself. So the email you sent will print rather than the desired document.
Scanning
- Select "Photocopy & Scan" button on Surfbox console.
- Select "Scan to Email" or "Scan to USB" as appropriate.
- Follow on screen instructions.
- You can scan up to 10 pages in black & white or colour per document for €0.60.
If you need assistance
Please ask a member of Library staff or, contact Surfbox Support E: [email protected] or T: 1800 818 989