Outdoor Wi-Fi Available
Twenty-two public libraries in Westmoreland County now offer free outdoor Wi-Fi thanks to a $134,403 CARES Act grant from the Westmoreland County Commissioners. Free, publicly available Wi-Fi now expands to the libraries’ outdoor areas, including parking lots, up to a football field length away from the building. Any member of the public can access the Wi-Fi on their phones, tablets, or laptops by entering their library card number or ZIP code. While a library card is not required to use the Wi-Fi, any Pennsylvania resident can register for a free card that grants access to over 900,000 books, movies, and more, including our digital collection.
The global COVID-19 pandemic forced schools, workplaces, and events to move to virtual spaces, exposing a dire need for reliable, high-speed internet. Expanding Wi-Fi access to outdoor areas allows people to use the libraries’ fiber broadband internet connections while avoiding gathering indoors to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
The Wi-Fi expansion project is the second phase of a larger initiative to update libraries’ technology infrastructure and install fiber-optic internet. Patrons benefit from increased download speeds and bandwidth, allowing the libraries to better accommodate the increasing need for internet access.
In 2019, Westmoreland County residents used free library internet 110,172 times to apply for jobs, complete school assignments, and learn new skills. Despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19, public libraries in Westmoreland County remain committed to providing stellar library services, including free internet access, to residents.
Please let us know if you have any questions!