I’m excited by this good news from the North Platte Public Library.

Using your own computer at the Library to access your favorite family friendly websites just got easier. The North Platte Public Library has received numerous requests for this service and is pleased to announce that wireless access to the Internet has been installed, tested, and is now ready for public use.

It’s easy to access the Internet with your own Wi-Fi capable equipment. Just search for the unsecured wireless network named NPPL HOTSPOT. Read and acknowledge the policies of use which includes filtering for illegal or offensive activities, click continue and you are on your way. Users of the network will be required to re-acknowledge the policies every 60 minutes. There is no charge to use the wireless network. Printing services are not available through the wireless network.

Part of the new service also includes a laptop that is available for public use on the second floor of the library near the Technology Learning Center. This laptop accesses the wireless network and is available for express use by customers at a stand-up station, on a first come-first served basis. Printing is not available from the laptop, but if you are in a hurry it might meet your needs.

The Wi-Fi access project at North Platte Public Library was supported by the Nebraska Library Commission and partially funded through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as part of a Wi-Fi Connectivity Grant awarded in 2008. The Wi-Fi Connectivity Grant provided equipment to create a public hotspot to forty-eight Nebraska libraries.

North Platte Public Library began serving the community in 1912. The current North Platte Public Library facility, built in 1967, continues the library’s mission to ensure access to the accumulated knowledge of the world, enabling individuals to pursue personal enrichment and take informed action.

Accessing Information through Technology @ Your Library

If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Cecelia Lawrence, please call 308-535-8036 or e-mail Cecelia at lawrencecc@ci.north-platte.ne.us.