Somerville Public Library will provide free Internet access points or “hot spots” for users with portable computers or devices capable of receiving wireless signals, during normal library business hours.  These access points will allow users to access the Internet from their laptop computers when sitting within range of the access points.

Library staff will provide general information on the settings necessary to access the Internet via these connections, but are not responsible for any changes you make to your computer’s settings and cannot guarantee your hardware will work with our wireless connection.

If a user has problems accessing the Internet over these connections, staff will verify the Library’s connections are up and running, but they cannot assist in making changes to the user’s network settings or perform any troubleshooting on the user’s own computer. Please refer to your owner’s manual or other support services offered by your device manufacturer.

As with most public wireless “hot spots,” the Library’s wireless connection is not secure.  There can be unscrupulous parties between you and anyone you communicate with, and any information being sent or received could potentially be intercepted by another wireless user.  Cautious and informed wireless users should choose not to transmit their credit card information, passwords and any other sensitive personal information while using any wireless “hot spot.”  Please take appropriate precautions when using this service. 

The Library will not be responsible for any information (i.e. credit card) that is compromised, or for any damage caused to your hardware or software due to electric surges, security issues or consequences caused by viruses or hacking.  All wireless access users should have up-to-date virus protection on their laptop computers or wireless devices. 

The Library provides access only to Web-based email.  For Outlook or other email services, you must connect with your own Internet provider.   

Printers are not available via the wireless connection at this time.  If you need to print, please save your work to a floppy disk or email files to yourself, then login to a wired library workstation and send jobs to the public printer. 

Use of these access points is governed by our Computer Use/Internet Policy.  All users are expected to use the Library’s wireless access in a legal and responsible manner, consistent with the educational and informational purposes for which it is provided.  Users may not violate federal, state or local laws, including the transmission or receiving of child pornography or harmful material, fraud, or downloading copyrighted material.