Need Wi-Fi for School or Work? It's Free at The Library
October 30, 2020 — The “digital divide” is a reality for many families in Springfield and Greene County. Some homes don’t have or can’t afford internet service, or digital signals aren’t strong enough. Students in those homes are at a greater disadvantage as schools convert to virtual and online learning during the coronavirus pandemic.
But area students – young and old – in our communities don’t have to camp out in cafés for free internet access. They can visit any one of 10 Springfield-Greene County Library branches where internet access is available free of charge.
- Students can use the libraries’ free internet-enabled public computers with a library card. Those age 17 and under without a library card may obtain unlimited guest passes to use the computer at no charge.
- They may bring their own laptops and use the library Wi-Fi for free. A library card is not required to use the Wi-Fi. (There are designated teen areas in some of the branches for their personal security, and a variety of private study rooms.)
- Those who already have a Wi-Fi-enabled device can use it anywhere in the comfortable, quiet surroundings and enjoy the convenience of having expert staff one step away. They can also access physical and digital research materials at thelibrary.org/research.
- The Library district also lends out Wi-Fi hot spots for three-week periods through thelibrary.org/catalog, subject: Hotspot.
The library branches are open 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday (Ash Grove Branch closed Saturday.) All the branches require masks to be worn by those age 3 and older, medical exemptions permitted.
Due to the pandemic, the libraries have temporarily removed some study area furniture to create safe distances for visitors. If seating or computers are scarce in a library branch, or the library is closed, students can still access the Library internet from their cars in the parking lot.
If it's after hours and you need a connection, Library Wi-Fi remains available after business hours outside our branches. This schedule is subject to change.
Ash Grove: 7–8 p.m.; Fair Grove: 4 a.m.–10 p.m.; Library Express West kiosk: 24/7; and Library Station, Library Center, Park Central Branch, Republic Branch and Schweitzer Brentwood, 4 a.m.–11 p.m.; Midtown Carnegie: Monday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m., none on Sunday; and Strafford and Willard branches 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
The Library is committed to lifelong learning, and that includes supporting children’s education whether it happens at home, the library or in a formal school setting, from elementary to high school. Students of all ages can access a wealth of homework and research projects through the Library’s digital resources through thelibrary.org/research. Younger students can find age-appropriate resources at thelibrary.org/kids and thelibrary.org/teen.
Have a quick question or need some direction? Use the Live Chat link on the bottom of thelibrary.org and other library web pages. Ask A Librarian -- https://thelibrary.org/contact.cfm -- can also provide an answer within 24 hours.
Call any library branch to learn how to make the most of your Library’s services and resources to enrich and expand your curricula and your children’s learning.