Hampden Library now offers wireless Internet connection

By Debbie Gardner

PRIME Editor

HAMPDEN If you've got a laptop with an aircard, there's now one more place in town where you can surf on the go.

Since mid-September, the Hampden Free Public Library has offered wireless Internet connection to its patrons during library hours.

"The first night that we had wireless access a gentlemen came in with a laptop and it was wonderful to say 'make yourself at home, we're wireless'," Library Director Carol Scheier told Reminder Publications.

Scheier said that offering patrons wireless Internet connection has been a goal since the library reopened in July, but that other priorities, such as updating the library's computers and moving wiring to allow access to the wireless signal in the building had to come first.

"It wasn't a matter of it took us eight months to do. To get wireless access you have to get signal, and in some buildings, especially older buildings, that's difficult," she said. "But we were able to overcome that hurdle with the help of some local people."

Scheier extended public thanks to Hampden Selectman John Flynn, electrician Ed Poulin and Western Massachusetts Regional Library Services Technology Coordinator Wes Hamilton for their hard work to get the library's wireless connection up and running.

Scheier said that the library's wireless connection has been advertised on their web site, and that "we mention it to people as they come in."

Homework room up and running

Scheier also said that the Library's homework room, outfitted with five computers, a "very fast printer" and "many, many resources on those computers for academic work" is open ad ready for student use.

So far, she said that the library has seen about a half-dozen students take advantage of the center.

"We would love to see more middle school students and more high school students use it," she said.

Scheier credited youth services librarian Christina Fairman with getting the homework center ready for student use.

"We just want people to know we're here," Scheier said. "We're available and the center is open when the library is open, Tuesdays and Thursdays until 8 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays until 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. "