The San Benito County Free Library has taken new steps toward
the technological forefront as it now provides patrons with free
wireless computer networking.
The San Benito County Free Library has taken new steps toward the technological forefront as it now provides patrons with free wireless computer networking.
The Wi-Fi system, put in place on Jan. 5, has already increased traffic, notes Nora Conte, county librarian. Conte began working in the library 14 months ago, and one of the first things she noticed was how much the computers were being used.
Since new computers are expensive, this led to an investigation of wireless networking that Conte says had the full support from the San Benito County Board of Supervisors from the beginning.
So far there are seven outlets where visitors can plug in their laptops and enjoy the new connection, and people can get access from anywhere in the building.
You do not need a library card to use the system, as you would in many other libraries. This was intentional – the library staff does not want to limit anyone who wants to use their facilities.
This is not the only change being made in order to boost the community’s access to literature. The board of supervisors has signed off on a bookmobile and an adult literacy mobile to spread the joy of books and to teach people to read. It has been a slow process, says Conte, but it is worth the trouble.
“We are busy and people are happy,” she says. “I see the public being served.”
Wi-Fi is currently present in coffee shops, universities and other libraries across the nation. Some cities are even looking to make it accessible to all their citizens. San Benito County residents are eagerly making use of this new development.
“They’re really happy they can come in and do this.” Conte says.
There is still much that can be done to improve the library and the community, and Conte certainly seems to have a plan of action.
“We’re going forward, and that’s what I’m excited about.”
