Woodside Library goes WiFi Woodside Library goes WiFi (March 24, 2004)

By Andrea Gemmet
Almanac Staff Writer

Joining the ranks of many coffee shops, restaurants and bookstores, the Woodside Library is now offering patrons -- no, not low-fat, decaf mochas -- wireless Internet access. And, it's free to users.

Anyone with a laptop computer equipped with a wireless network PC card can get access to the library's high-speed T1 Internet connection, said library manager Thom Ball.

Since there is a limited number of public Internet terminals, laptop-toting patrons will greatly expand the number of people who can surf the net at the library, he said. And it's not just accessible inside the library, but can be used from the front parking lot and the native plant garden in back as well, he said.

The wireless fidelity system, also called WiFi, cost about $3,000 and came from property tax revenues set aside for Woodside Library improvements.

The WiFi system was a response to increasing demand from the public for wireless access, Mr. Ball said.

Additional libraries, including the Atherton branch, will be getting wireless network access in the near future, he said. The Menlo Park, Redwood City, Foster City and San Mateo libraries are already equipped with WiFi.

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