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Online Fax vs. Print Shop or Library: Which Should You Use?

No fax machine? You can fax online, at a print or shipping store, at many public libraries, or with a subscription service. Here's how they compare and when each one makes sense.

Published: 2026-10-19

If you don't own a fax machine, you have four common ways to send a fax: a pay-per-use online service like AnytimeFax, the counter at a print or shipping store, a public library, or a subscription fax app or service. None of them is best for everyone. The right choice depends on how often you fax, whether you also need to receive faxes, whether your document is on paper or already a file, and how much help you want. This guide compares them on cost, convenience, privacy and proof of delivery, and says plainly when another option beats ours.

AnytimeFax sends faxes; it doesn't receive them yet

Receiving is in beta with a waitlist. If someone needs to fax a reply back to you, you'll need a number that can receive. For example, the IRS faxes an EIN back to the fax number you include on a faxed Form SS-4. For that, a library or store that accepts incoming faxes, or a subscription service with its own fax number, is the better fit.

What libraries actually charge

Fees are set locally, so check your own library first. Two examples from official pages: Campbell County Public Library in Wyoming charges $1 per page, sending or receiving. The Lucy Robbins Welles Library in Newington, Connecticut charges $1.75 for the first page and $1 for each additional page for domestic faxes.

What you need

  • The recipient's full fax number, taken from their letter, form or official website.
  • For online faxing: your document as a PDF, DOC or DOCX file (up to 10 MB in total and 20 pages per order with AnytimeFax), a phone or computer with a browser, and an email address for a one-time code.
  • For a store or library: the paper pages, a way to pay, and time to go during opening hours.
  • If you expect a fax back: a fax number that can receive, such as one from a library, a store or a subscription service.

Step-by-step

  1. Decide whether you only need to send

    If you just need to send a document, any of the four options works. If you need to receive faxes regularly, a subscription service with its own number, or a fax line, will usually suit you better. Some libraries accept incoming faxes, but you may have to be there when they arrive; the Newington library, for example, asks patrons to be present.

  2. Count how often you fax

    For a fax every few months, paying per fax avoids a monthly bill. With AnytimeFax your first one-page fax is free (once per email address), then $4.99 for 2–4 pages, $5.99 for 5–10 pages and $7.99 for 11–20 pages. If you fax every week, a subscription may cost less overall. Compare the plan before you sign up.

  3. Check whether your document is paper or a file

    If it's already a PDF or Word file, or you can scan it with your phone, online faxing saves a trip. If you only have paper and no way to scan it, a store or library lets you feed the pages in directly.

  4. Think about who sees your pages

    At a counter or a shared machine, you may hand pages to staff or leave them near other people. With AnytimeFax, files are uploaded over HTTPS, stored encrypted with AES-256 and automatically deleted 30 days after the order is completed. Only you and authorized operators can open them. Whatever you choose, send only what the recipient asked for.

  5. Check timing and hours

    Stores and libraries are limited to their opening hours. Online you can upload at any time. AnytimeFax Standard, Extended and Large orders are delivered within 24 hours; the free one-page option can take up to 3 days; Urgent ($20, up to 20 pages) is processed within 90 minutes of payment confirmation.

  6. Decide what proof you need

    At a store or library, ask whether they can give you a transmission confirmation page. With AnytimeFax you get an order ID that starts with AF- and a downloadable invoice from the Track Order page; Urgent orders include a transmission proof when available. Any confirmation only shows the fax was transmitted, not that it was read or accepted.

Tips

  • For one or two pages, a nearby library can cost less than an online fax. Online is usually more convenient when you have more pages, no time to travel, or the place is closed.
  • Prices at stores and subscription plans vary by location and plan. Check before you go or sign up.
  • If you have no smartphone or computer, or want someone to help you in person, a store counter or a library is the better choice. Staff help at libraries can be limited, as the Newington library notes.
  • Ask the recipient whether they offer an upload portal or email. Sometimes that is easier than any fax.

Common mistakes

  • Signing up for a monthly subscription to send a single fax.
  • Choosing a send-only service when the recipient will fax a reply back to you.
  • Driving to a store or library without checking its hours, fees or whether it offers fax at all.
  • Leaving original pages or the confirmation sheet behind at a public machine.
  • Treating a delivery confirmation as proof that the recipient accepted the document.

Delivery expectations

With AnytimeFax, Standard, Extended and Large orders are delivered within 24 hours, and the free one-page option can take up to 3 days. Urgent orders ($20, up to 20 pages) are processed within 90 minutes of payment confirmation. A successful delivery confirms that the fax was transmitted to the recipient's fax number; it does not confirm that someone has reviewed or accepted your document. Timing at a store, library or subscription service depends on that provider.

Alternatives

  • A print or shipping store counter: good when you only have paper or want in-person help. Prices vary by location; check before you go.
  • A public library: often a low per-page fee where available, and some accept incoming faxes. Services and fees vary by library.
  • A subscription fax app or service: usually the better fit if you send or receive faxes often and want your own fax number. Plans vary.
  • The recipient's upload portal, email or mail, when they offer it.
Send a Fax Online

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the library and the page count. Campbell County Public Library in Wyoming, for example, charges $1 per page. With AnytimeFax your first one-page fax is free, then $4.99 for 2–4 pages. For a few pages a nearby library may cost less; online saves the trip.

Not yet. AnytimeFax currently only sends faxes; receiving is in beta with a waitlist. If you need to receive faxes, use a library or store that accepts incoming faxes, a subscription service with a fax number, or a fax line.

When you fax often, need to receive faxes, or want a fax number of your own. For occasional sending, paying per fax avoids a recurring charge. Compare plan details before you sign up.

It depends on the store and on you. You may hand pages to staff or use a shared machine, so take your originals and any confirmation page with you. Ask the store how they handle your documents.

Then a store counter or a public library is the practical choice. You can feed in paper pages and, where staff are available, ask for help.

Official sources

Last verified: 2026-10-18

AnytimeFax is an independent service operated by Rise & Built Corp. It is not affiliated with any library, store, fax service or government agency. Third-party fees and requirements were checked on the date shown above and may change; always confirm current details with the provider. This page is general information, not legal or financial advice.