For Immediate Release:

FREE WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS @ YOUR LIBRARY

Imagine walking into the Library and finding a free high-speed wireless Internet connection available for your use! This vision is now a reality in Monroe Township. The Library is now a wireless Internet "hotspot!"

A member of the South Jersey Regional Library Coorperative (SJRLC), the Monroe Township Library recently joined with sixty other member libraries in offering free wireless, high-speed Internet access to its patrons.

Karen Hyman, Executive Director of SJRLC says, "This is a major benefit for South Jersey residents. Free wireless Internet access can assist business professionals, students, travelers, or anyone else who needs to do research, transfer files or simply access their email."

"We are very excited about being able to offer this service to the public," says State Librarian, Norma Blake. "You can just walk into the library, open up your laptop and begin surfing the Web. Its a natural fit with public libraries' mission of providing access to information."

Unlike wireless networks found in many coffee shops, airports and hotels, there is no charge to access the hotspot. A library visitor only needs his or her laptop or a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) that has wireless connectivity. Most new laptops and PDAs have this functionality built in, while others can easily add wireless capability by using an inexpensive adaptor.

"The Internet has so much to offer in terms of education, research and exploration, yet not everyone has high-speed access at home," states Peter Bromberg, Program Development Coordinator at SJRLC. "Providing free high-speed access for the general public helps create an environment that stimulates imagination, innovation and learning."

Beth Lillie, Library Director, says that the Library will continue to offer Internet access at Library computers, but the new wireless network will also allow visitors to use their own laptops to access high speed Internet - very convenient for those who have their business documents, research, schoolwork and email account settings saved on their own computers. "Demand for Internet access is constantly growing. We have limited space to add computers. Our existing computers are always busy and there can be a waiting list! This is another, innovative way in which we are expanding valuable Library Services to the community."